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Kirchner to make full Leinster debut alongside returning Tuqiri

As expected, Jimmy Gopperth returns to guide the team from number 10 against the Dragons.

SPRINGBOK FULLBACK ZANE Kirchner will make his full Leinster debut tomorrow when the reigning champions travel to face Newport Gwent Dragons.

The South African takes up a back three spot with Lote Tuqiri taking the left wing berth after recovering from his latest hamstring injury and Darragh Fanning on the right.

With Ian Madigan kept within the international camp, Jimmy Gopperth and John Cooney will form the half-back partnership with Luke McGrath and Cathal Marsh in reserve.

Shane Jennings captains the side from openside flanker, so Dominic Ryan is accommodate to on the blindside with Rhys Ruddock at number eight. Martin Moore’s form means he is given the nod at tight-head with Michael Bent shifted to loose-head.

Ulster, Munster and Connacht all play on Saturday and are expected to name their starting line-ups tomorrow afternoon.

Leinster (v Dragons): Z Kirchner, D Fanning, L Fitzgerald, N Reid, L Tuqiri; J Gopperth, J Cooney: M Bent, A Dundon, M Moore, Q Roux, T Denton; D Ryan, S Jennings (Capt.) R Ruddock.

Replacements: J Tracy, J O’Connell, T Furlong, B Marshall, L Auva’a, L McGrath, C Marsh, B Macken.

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