JOE SCHMIDT HAS named his starting XV to line out against Ospreys in the RaboDirect PRO12 final this weekend.
Captain Leo Cullen partners Devin Toner at second row and there are a number of changes in the pack as Heinke van der Merwe comes into the front row alongside Sean Cronin and Mike Ross for Sunday’s game at the RDS.
Jamie Heaslip, Shane Jennings and Kevin McLaughlin – making his 75th appearance for the province – make up the back row.
Leinster’s backline is unchanged from the one which took to the field at Twickenham last Saturday, meaning Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy remain at centre.
As expected, Heineken Cup final Man of the Match Sean O’Brien misses out due to a knee injury which has required surgery, while loose-head prop Cian Healy also suffered dead leg in the win over Ulster and will undergo a late fitness test to earn a place on the bench.
Brad Thorn also finds himself among the replacements.
Leinster team v Ospreys: Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy, Isa Nacewa, Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan, Heinke van der Merwe, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross, Leo Cullen, Devin Toner, Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy/Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Brad Thorn, Dominic Ryan, John Cooney, Ian Madigan, David Kearney.
Pro12 preview: Leinster sweating on fitness of Healy and O’Brien
Kerry bred to play attractive football – Cooper
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