Leinster bid to overcome disappointment against Ospreys

LEINSTER bid to bounce back from the disappointment of their Heineken Cup defeat by Munster when facing the Neath Swansea Ospreys in the Celtic League at Lansdowne Road on Saturday (7.35pm).

Coach Michael Cheika, who includes Gordon D'Arcy, Denis Hickie and Shane Horgan in his squad, admits that he and his side desperately want to make amends for their weekend loss.

"The squad are obviously disappointed (after last weekend) but you can sense a feeling of resolve there also, which is encouraging. We've got to make sure that we take something from the game and push on for the rest of the season. We need to front up when we don't perform well.

"Bryce Williams is out with a broken hand and is likely to miss the rest of the season, which is disappointing, while Cameron (Jowitt) has a back problem and is a doubt.

"Jonathan (Sexton) has been in good form for St Mary's so he comes back into the squad. This is the final push for us. We've gotta be professional enough to be driven, get out on the paddock and perform."

Leinster have also finalised the signing of second row Trevor Hogan from Munster.

Following on from the recent signing of Stephen Keogh from Munster and Australian international scrum-half Chris Whitaker, the 26-year-old Ireland international capped twice on the summer tour to Japan in 2005 will link up with the province in the close season.

Hogan made 54 senior appearances for Munster (five Heineken Cup and 49 Celtic League) including one Celtic League try after making his senior debut in September 2002. He made his Heineken Cup debut in October 2004 and has made four further appearances in the competition to date this season.

Cheika said: "I am delighted that Trevor has made the decision to sign with Leinster. He is a very talented player who we know is going to make a significant contribution to our team and its ambitions going forward. His power and energy for the game in taking his opportunities to date is something that I respect in the player."

LEINSTER (squad v Ospreys): Forwards (14): W Green, R Corrigan, R McCormack, E Byrne, B Jackman, B Blaney, M O'Kelly, A Byrnes, B Gissing, C Jowitt, N Ronan, K Gleeson, J Heaslip, E Miller.

Backs (11): G Easterby, B O'Riordan, F Contepomi, J Sexton, G Dempsey, B O'Driscoll, K Lewis, S Horgan, D Hickie, G D'Arcy, R Kearney.