MAGNERS LEAGUE Scarlets v Leinster: LEINSTER FANS will ease themselves into the new season as three of the team's first four matches are away from home.
Maybe that’s not a bad thing as they won’t get a glimpse of the front-line players until match three anyway. That is reflected in a team shorn of household names.
Much attention will focus on new signing Shaun Berne, who makes his competitive debut. He will partner Fergus McFadden in the centre against a Scarlets side also missing their Lions players.
With Rocky Elsom gone and Jamie Heaslip resting, Shane Jennings is the only remnant of the Heineken Cup winning back row. Stephen Keogh and Kevin McLaughlin join him with captain Leo Cullen and veteran Malcolm O’Kelly forming a highly experienced second row.
Shane Horgan and Girvan Dempsey in the back line add to a team that is a mix of seasoned internationals and players breaking through. It is O’Kelly’s 167th appearance and Cullen’s 118th game for Leinster.
There is no sign yet of new signings Eoin Redden or Nathan Hines, although the Ireland capped Mike Ross is poised to get some game time from the bench. Leinster won both of their games last season against the Welsh outfit but Cullen is looking for a strong start from his side, who have won just once in round one of the Magners League since 2003.
“Our form in the earlier rounds last year wasn’t as consistent as we would have liked and it ultimately cost us,” said the captain. “We are determined to push on and the Scarlets will be dangerous opponents. We know we have to face up to the passion and skill levels that they will bring to the game. We were lucky to win both of our games against them last year but this is a fresh start and we are expecting another tough test.”
Scarlets start with international new recruits Sean Lamont, Richie Pugh and Rhys Thomas and a replacements berth for 19-year-old outhalf Dan Newton.
Skipper Mark Jones lines up in a strong back division featuring fellow Welsh caps Daniel Evans, Jonathan Davies and Martin Roberts. The pack is a mix of experience and promising youth, with second rows Lou Reed and Dominic Day given the job of quelling the threat of Cullen and O’Kelly.
SCARLETS: D Evans; S Lamont, R Higgitt, J Davies, M Jones (c); R Priestland, M Roberts; I Thomas, K Owens, R Thomas, L Reed, D Day, S Easterby, R Pugh, D Lyons. Replacements: P John, E Phillips, D Manu, V Cooper, D Jones, L Williams, D Newton.
LEINSTER: G Dempsey; S Horgan, F McFadden, S Berne, I Nacewa; J Sexton, C Keane; C Healy, J Fogarty, S Wright, L Cullen (c), M O'Kelly, K McLaughlin, S Jennings, S Keogh. Replacements: B Jackman/J Harris-Wright, M Ross, D Toner, S O'Brien, P O'Donoghue, S Keogh, N Morris.
Referee: N Paterson(SRU)
Last three meetings: Leinster 45, Scarlets 8; Scarlets 17, Leinster 31; Scarlets 10, Leinster 24.
Verdict: Leinster.
