Cheika opts for experience

LEINSTER have included internationals Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O’Brien, Shane Jennings, Eoin Reddan and Jonathan Sexton in their squad for Saturday’s Magners League clash with Scarlets at the RDS (6.30pm).

And coach Michael Cheika expects the quartet to play some role in the crucial clash.

“They will all be involved (this weekend). A top four place is our target at this stage because we have to be realistic about the players we are missing, etc. Every step now is a step closer to the semi-finals.”

Leinster warmed up for the weekend with an impressive win over Exeter in the British and Irish Cup last Saturday.

Cheika was delighted with the result for a number of reasons. “Exeter are a competitive team, they could be playing in the Premiership next year. All of those senior players like Girvan Dempsey, Shaun Berne and Malcolm O’Kelly volunteered to play in that game, they weren’t obliged to play, but they wanted to so as to sharpen themselves up. Girvan and Mal have 80 or 90 test caps each and that complements those guys who are trying to make it on the way up. The competition gives a chance to guys like Eoin O’Malley and Dave Kearney to play with them which can only be a good thing.”

The team will be announced Friday lunchtime with over 13,000 tickets sold for the game.

Meanwhile, Connacht coach Michael Bradley could have a scrum-half crisis on his hands ahead of Sunday’s Magners League clash against the Ospreys.

Frank Murphy and former Irish international Kieran Campbell are both doubtful for the visit to Swansea. Murphy has a calf injury which he hopes will clear up while Campbell is nursing a shoulder injury. Lock forward Andrew Browne seems set to miss the match as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Bradley says he expects a tough encounter at the Liberty Stadium and he is hopeful that they can build on the form which saw them complete their pool stage in the Amlin Challenge Cup with a 100% record.

“It has been a few weeks since we had a game but we will be looking to take that excellent European form into the Magners League,” said Bradley.

LEINSTER SQUAD (v Scarlets): Forwards: J Fogarty, T Hogan, B Jackman, S Jennings, S Keogh, R McCormack, K McLaughlin, S O’Brien, M O’Kelly, M Ross, P Ryan, E Sheriff, R Strauss, D Toner, CJ van der Linde, S Wright.

Backs: S Berne, A Conway, G Dempsey, S Horgan, C Keane, D Kearney, S Keogh, I Madigan, F McFadden, I Nacewa, P O’Donohoe, E O’Malley, E Reddan, J Sexton.

Referee: A Macpherson (SRU).