Isa cold start for Leinster
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:24
Leinster have announced a powerful side to begin the defence of their Magners League crown against the Cardiff Blues in Saturday's opening league clash of the season at the Arms Park on Saturday.
Isa Nacewa will make his debut for the province after being named in an unchanged line-up from the side that started last weekend's 48-19 friendly victory over Super 14 franchise, the Reds.
Nacewa is named in a backline that includes Brian O'Driscoll and Felipe Contepomi who will resume their centre partnership. Ireland internationals Shane Horgan and Rob Kearney have been named on either wing. Chris Whitaker captains the side.
In the pack, Cameron Jowitt is named in a dynamic-looking back row alongside Ireland internationals Shane Jennings and No.8 Jamie Heaslip.
Meanwhile, Leinster Academy graduate Sean O'Brien could be one of two potential debutants should he be called upon in the Welsh capital alongside summer signing, former Ireland A captain, hooker John Fogarty.
Prop Stephen Knoop has recovered from illness to take his place on the strong replacements bench which includes Ireland trio Trevor Hogan, Luke Fitzgerald and Girvan Dempsey.
Leinster: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Felipe Contepomi, 11 Rob Kearney, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Chris Whitaker (captain), 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Cameron Jowitt, 5 Malcolm O'Kelly, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Ronan McCormack, 2 Bernard Jackman, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 John Fogarty, 17 Stephen Knoop, 18 Trevor Hogan, 19 Sean O'Brien, 20 Chris Keane, 21 Luke Fitzgerald, 22 Girvan Dempsey.
Date: Saturday, September 6
Venue: Arms Park, Cardiff
Kick-off: 18.30 (17.30 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Macpherson (Scotland)
Touch judges: David Bodilly (Wales), Jon Mason (Wales)
Television
match official: Tony Rowlands (Wales)
With thanks to leinsterrugby.ie
