O'Kelly's Leinster milestone confirmed
Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:39
Malcolm O'Kelly will become the most capped Leinster of all time when he lines up for his 140th appearance on Saturday, in the Magners League game against Llanelli Scarlets at Stradey Park.
The five-time capped British and Irish Lion, who is also Ireland's leading cap holder with 91, made his provincial debut 13 years ago and starts in the second row alongside another player making a landmark appearance, Leo Cullen, who will earn his 100th cap for the province as captain.
In all there are three changes to the team that started last weekend's 34-18 victory over the Glasgow Warriors.
Jonathan Sexton starts at flyhalf with Felipe Contepomi moving inside him at first centre to partner Michael Berne.
Shane Horgan, who scored a brace of tries last weekend, again forms a lively-looking back three alongside Luke Fitzgerald and fullback Rob Kearney.
In the third change, Stephen Keogh starts in the back row alongside Shane Jennings and Jamie Heaslip.
Girvan Dempsey has recovered from injury and is named on a strong replacements bench, which has two positions to be confirmed closer to kick-off, alongside the likes of fellow Ireland international Trevor Hogan.
Leinster: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Michael Berne, 12 Felipe Contepomi, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Chris Whitaker, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Stephen Keogh, 5 Malcolm O'Kelly, 4 Leo Cullen (captain), 3 Stan Wright, 2 Bernard Jackman, 1 Ollie le Roux.
Replacements: 16 Brian Blaney, 17 Cian Healy/Stephen Knoop, 18 Trevor Hogan, 19 Cameron Jowitt/Keith Gleeson, 20 Chris Keane, 21 Christian Warner, 22 Girvan Dempsey.
Date: Saturday, 29 March
Kick-off: 17.30 GMT
Venue: Stradey Park, Llanelli
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
Touch judges: Hugh Watkins (Wales),
Simon Harris (Wales)
Television match official: Tony Rowlands (Wales)
