Cheika opts for Leinster big guns

LEINSTER will roll out the big names for Saturday’s crucial Magners League clash with Munster at Thomond Park (7.30). The return of Brian O’Driscoll, Luke Fitzgerald, Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney was a no-brainer for coach Michael Cheika as Leinster set about trying to overhaul leaders Munster.

With so much at stake, Cheika will be acutely aware of the need for his front-line troops to re-group and get much needed game time a week ahead of a Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with Harlequins. Cheika may have named a large squad of 29, but the selection of Rocky Elsom and captain Leo Cullen are two selection points that won’t require any debate. What he does with the back division will be interesting though.

Finding places for Ireland’s Grand Slam heroes will necessitate a big decision in probably leaving Girvan Dempsey and either Shane Horgan or Isa Nacewa on the bench, despite Cheika’s glowing post-match comments on Horgan at the weekend.