IF IT’S Declan Kidney’s stated intention to build a panel during his tenure, then the Ireland head coach will be satisfied with the tier of talent below his senior selection after Ireland A produced a solid performance to overwhelm Scotland at the RDS last night.

POSSIBLY the lowest moment in Ireland A history came at McDiarmuid Park, Perth, last season when their Scottish counterparts scored 10 tries in a 67-7 demolition of the visitors.

ON to April’s Heineken Cupquarter-finals Leinster go, butwith a nervous stumble rather than a confident swagger.

EDINBURGH coach Andy Robinson has opted to rest captain Mike Blair for tonight’s Heineken Cup clash with Castres.

Captain Brian O'Driscoll has been passed fit to play for Leinster at home to Edinburgh in the Heineken Cup at The RDS on Friday night.

MUNSTER rugby chiefs have released 250 additional ten-year-tickets for their new ground in Limerick.

WITH almost half their first team away in France and a revamped RDS providing the backdrop, this Magners League opener threatened to be a step into the unknown for Leinster.

The Borders are languishing at the bottom of the Celtic League and they will give Ally Warnock, Andy Turnbull and Johnny Weston their first Celtic League starts of the season at Donnybrook tonight.

Borders 21 Leinster 26

By Barry Coughlan