LEINSTER HEAD COACH Leo Cullen has been able to call upon fit-again captain Isa Nacewa, Josh van der Flier and Rory O’Loughlin for the Pro12 clash against Cardiff Blues tomorrow (3pm, Sky Sports 2).
The league leaders also boast three players who were on the bench for Ireland’s win over England in the final round of the Six Nations last weekend as Cian Healy, Luke McGrath and Dan Leavy all start.
Ross Byrne retains the out-half slot with Joey Carbery running from fullback as European Player of the Year nominee Nacewa lines up on the wing after two months out.
Nacewa’s return edges Fergus McFadden to the replacements bench where he will be joined by back row Max Deegan and tighthead Mike Ross. The province had hoped that Sean Cronin would complete his recovery from a hamstring injury this week, but James Tracy takes the back-up hooker slot.
George Clancy will referee the fixture, taking over from Marius Mitrea who has fallen ill.
Leinster:
15. Joey Carbery
14. Adam Byrne
13. Rory O’Loughlin
12. Noel Reid
11. Isa Nacewa (captain)
10. Ross Byrne
9. Luke McGrath
1. Cian Healy
2. Richardt Strauss
3. Michael Bent
4. Ross Molony
5. Hayden Triggs
6. Dan Leavy
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Rhys Ruddock
Replacements:
16. James Tracy
17. Peter Dooley
18. Mike Ross
19. Mick Kearney
20. Max Deegan
21. Jamison Gibson-Park
22. Tom Daly
23. Fergus McFadden
Cardiff Blues:
15. Matthew Morgan
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. Rey Lee-Lo
12. Steven Shingler
11. Blaine Scully (Capt)
10. Gareth Anscombe
9. Tomos Williams
1. Corey Domachowski
2. Kristian Dacey
3. Anton Peikrishvili
4. George Earle
5. Jarrad Hoeata
6. Macauley Cook
7. Josh Navidi
8. Nick Williams
Replacements:
16. Matthew Rees
17. Gethin Jenkins
18. Scott Andrews
19. Sion Bennett
20. Ellis Jenkins
21. Lloyd Williams
22. Willis Halaholo
23. Tom James
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