Cheika rests big guns for Dragons clash

LEINSTER coach Michael Cheika has decided rest and recuperation is more important than game time for his top players in advance of the crucial back-to-back Heineken Cup fixtures against Llanelli Scarlets over the next couple of weeks.

So when Leinster step out for tomorrow’s Magners League clash against Newport Gwent Dragons there will be an unfamiliar look about the line-up. Cheika has decided on a no-risk policy for his internationals whilst clearly giving up-and-coming youngsters an opportunity to push for selection.

Fergus McFadden, Simon Keogh and Chris Keane are amongst the more seasoned members of the back division, while there is a wealth of experience up front in the form of Malcolm O’Kelly, CJ van der Linde, Bernard Jackman, who will captain the side, and Stephen Keogh.