Kearney makes Leinster return for Dragons test
However the international full back is named on the wing, with Girvan Dempsey given the number 15 shirt in the absence of the rested Isa Nacewa, who starred in the win at Croke Park a fortnight ago.
Coach Michael Cheika will be looking to Dempsey and Kearney, along with captain Stephen Keogh, Sean O’Brien, Devin Toner, Trevor Hogan and Chris Keane to carry the burden of responsibility for a side short on experience. Cheika names two newcomers, centre Kyle Tonetti and out half Ian McKinley. Fergus McFadden, one of five of today’s team (with Trevor Hogan, Simon Keogh, Sean O’Brien and Devin Toner) chosen for Ireland’s Churchill Cup squad, partners Tonetti.
McFadden has made a big impression this season and sees this game with the Dragons as a chance to secure a place in the match day 22 for the Heineken Cup final.
He starred in Leinster’s last Magners League game, the home win against Llanelli Scarlets although the player was anxious not to take credit for the win: “The result was pretty well done and dusted by the time I came on, but I got a bit of game time and we got the win – that was the important thing.
“The season hasn’t been bad for me; I’ve had a few opportunities when the lads (O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy) were away on international duty, but we were disappointed at not retaining the Magners League title.
“The focus now is on the Heineken Cup; hopefully we will have that in the trophy cabinet next week.”
He added: “It’s a massive game for a lot of the guys, a couple of them are getting their first chance at this level.”
Meanwhile, Dragons coach Paul Turner has made five changes from the side which lost to Edinburgh last Friday. Gareth Wyatt and Richard Fussell come in on the wings with Phil Dollman starts in the centre. Adam Black is named in the front row and Craig Hill starts a Magners League game for just the second time, alongside Dan Lydiate and Lewis Evans in the back row.
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