Wright return eases pack problems

IT was a week marred by injuries and suspensions but Leinster at least had some positive news to report yesterday when Stan Wright was named in the starting 15 for tomorrow’s Pool Two clash against Edinburgh in Dublin.

The Cook Islander spent most of the week recovering from a neck/back complaint but will complete a front row which also includes Bernard Jackman as well as Cian Healy, who lines out in place of the injured CJ van der Linde.

With Leo Cullen also injured and Malcolm O’Kelly serving a two-week suspension, the second row has been rejigged completely with Trevor Hogan and Devin Toner filling the two berths.

There is no recognised lock on the bench, although Stephen Keogh will probably be the man called in case of emergency. The deck is equally light at prop where Ollie le Roux is the only back-up and the Springbok is far from match fit.

Isa Nacewa starts at ten again despite unconvincing displays there of late. Felipe Contepomi will feature at inside centre and Rob Kearney again gets the vote at full-back ahead of Girvan Dempsey.

Edinburgh have made six changes to the side which claimed a bonus-point win over Castres last weekend and the Scots will be missing some of their most recognisable faces with Hugo Southwell, Mike Blair and Phil Godman all absent from the squad.

Greig Laidlaw plays at scrum-half in place of Mike Blair who has been left out, David Blair will slot in at ten for the hamstrung Godman and Chris Paterson takes over from the injured Southwell at 15.

Kyle Traynor replaces the injured Allan Jacobsen in the front row and is joined by Andrew Kelly and Geoff Cross, who returns after being rested for the win over Castres.

Leinster need to match Wasps’ result in Castres to finish top of the pool but their hopes of receiving a home quarter-final tie rest on games elsewhere as much as events at the RDS.