O’Kelly set to break Leinster caps record

MALCOLM O’KELLY could become Leinster’s most capped player in Saturday’s top-of-the-table Magners League clash with Llanelli Scarlets, (Stradey Park, 5.30pm).

The Templeogue College man made his 139th provincial appearance in last weekend’s 34-18 victory over the Glasgow Warriors bringing him level with Leinster legend Reggie Corrigan. Leo Cullen, who started alongside O’Kelly in the second row last weekend, could also make his 100th appearance for the province if introduced by coach Michael Cheika.

The Leinster boss has included 11 internationals in his 26 man squad including Girvan Dempsey, Jamie Heaslip, Shane Horgan and Luke Fitzgerald.

Leinster lead Scarlets by 10 points and Wales back rower Dafydd Jones is desperate to close the gap.

Said Jones: “The league is our focus and we’re working really hard and peaking at the right time to achieve that.”

Jones also wants to impress Wales coach Warren Gatland — having last won a cap in 2006 — and put his name in the mix for the summer tour to South Africa.

“I’ve still got huge international ambitions of playing for Wales,” he said, “I’m really happy with my form and still believe I’m exactly the same player as back then.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby, feel physically good and want to take a full part in the club’s ambitions.”

LEINSTER (squad v Scarlets) Forwards (14): B Blaney, L Cullen, K Gleeson, C Healy, J Heaslip, T Hogan, B Jackman, S Jennings, C Jowitt, S Keogh, S Knoop, O le Roux, M O’Kelly, S Wright.

Backs (12): M Berne, G Brown, F Contepomi, G Dempsey, L Fitzgerald, S Horgan, C Keane, R Kearney, J Sexton, C Warner, C Whitaker, C Willis.

SCARLETS: M Stoddart D James, R King, G Evans, M Jones, S Jones, D Peel (capt); P John, M Schwalger, B Douglas, L Reed, S MacLeod, D Jones, G Thomas, A Popham.

Replacements: D Manu/B Broster, M Rees, A Eustace, N Thomas, G Cattle, C Thomas, M Watkins.