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John Cooney warming up at the RDS last season. ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
rds return

Shuffling the pack: Schmidt makes five changes for Dragons clash

Leo Cullen returns to captain the European champions on their return to the RDS.

LEINSTER COACH JOE Schmidt has made three unforced changes from the side which capitulated away to Llanelli Scarlets last week.

Club captain Leo Cullen comes back into the side after missing the trip to Wales.

The veteran lock will be partnered by summer signing Quinn Roux, a much-anticipated debut for the RDS faithful to look forward to tomorrow evening.

Behind Roux, academy back-rower, Ben Marshall will win his second cap, his first since playing nine minutes of Magners League action in 2010.

Heinke van der Merwe drops to the bench allowing Jamie Hagan to take over at loose-head. The only change behind the scrum is a starting berth for John Cooney, now set for a run of appearances in the absence of the injured Isaac Boss.

Schmidt is wary that his playing staff is currently being stretched, but has confidence that his squad contains enough skill and steely determination to chisel out a result.

“I do know that there is a fair bit of resolve in the group. I think there’s a lot of disappointment that has now dissipated, hopefully, and turned into a bit of a steely resolve about what we need to get right .

“The players have trained really well this week, but they need to put that into two really competitive 40 minute periods.”

Schmidt then added, “There were a few harsh realities spelled out to (the young players) with a 45-20 scoreline to Scarlets.

“It’s the reality of getting them back on the field stirred up a bit and at the same time, keeping enough confidence amongst them that they’re still going to be pretty positive in the way they approach the game.”

Leinster: I Nacewa; A Conway, B Macken, N Reid, F Carr; I Madigan, J Cooney: J McGrath, S Cronin, J Hagan; L Cullen (Capt.) Q Roux; B Marshall, S Jennings, L Auva’a.

Replacements: T Sexton, H van der Merwe, M Moore, D Toner, J Murphy, L McGrath, C O’Shea, D Hudson.

Rugby Championship: Wallabies prepare attacking game plan

Confirmed absence: Leinster lose Boss for eight weeks, Ryan for 12