Leinster want to stay on top
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:36
Back at the top: Leinster heads the Magners League
Leinster have named a strong squad to take on the Glasgow Warriors on Thursday as they look to maintain their pole position in the Magners League.
Isa Nacewa and CJ van der Linde are named in a strong panel which includes Ireland internationals Girvan Dempsey, Trevor Hogan, Shane Horgan, Bernard Jackman, Kevin McLaughlin, Malcolm O'Kelly and Mike Ross, with Jackman set to captain the side.
Fergus McFadden, who scored 21 points in the recent away victory over the Cardiff Blues, joins the likes of Paul Ryan and Eoin Sheriff who are both rewarded for showing good recent form in the British & Irish Cup.
"It's critical that we maintain our form in the Magners League and players keep on staking their claims for selection," Leinster defence coach Kurt McQuilkin said.
"Glasgow have really improved over the last few seasons and they are always difficult opponents to face.
"We will also need to be mindful that they won't have been pleased with their last two outings, where they got a win and a draw, because they're a club with high ambitions of winning the Magners League this year. They have a good loose forward trio and they're always good on the ground. Out wide they also have devastating backs, like [Bernardo] Stortoni, who can really hurt you.
"We need to be physical in the confrontations and also clinical in how we execute our opportunities and discipline will be critical. We're coming out of a long winter and we're involved in both competitions, which is good, but what has gone before and what's to come is irrelevant.
"Thursday's game is an important game one for us and I know that the supporters will play their part again. Playing in front of packed RDS inspires the players and the energy that comes from the stands gives the players an added lift.
"To have players like Eoin O'Malley and Fergus McFadden taking their chances is pleasing and there are others, like Stephen Keogh in the pack who have really impressed in our recent wins over the Scarlets and Cardiff."
Leinster squad:
Forwards: John Fogarty, Trevor Hogan, Bernard Jackman, Stephen Keogh, Ronan McCormack, Kevin McLaughlin, Malcolm O'Kelly, Mike Ross, Paul Ryan, Eoin Sheriff, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, CJ van der Linde, Stan Wright
Backs: Shaun Berne, Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Chris Keane, David Kearney, Simon Keogh, Ian Madigan, Fergus McFadden, Isa Nacewa, Paul O'Donohoe, Eoin O'Malley
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