Kearney makes Leinster return for Dragons test

ROB KEARNEY, who missed Leinster’s Heineken Cup semi-final victory over Munster due to illness, starts today’s Magners League clash with Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade.

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.