Hamstring hit O’Driscoll huge loss for Leinster

LEINSTER will be without Brian O’Driscoll for this evening’s Heineken Cup pool two clash with Saracens at Wembley Stadium (5.45pm).

The Ireland and Lions centre suffered a hamstring strain in last Saturday’s 38-22 European victory against Racing Metro and although scans revealed the injury was not as bad as first feared, Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt decided not to risk his mercurial star in London this weekend.

Luke Fitzgerald has been moved to midfield as cover for O’Driscoll with outside centre Shane Horgan coming in on the wing for his 80th Heineken Cup appearance.

Jonathan Sexton continues at fly-half following his winning return from injury against Racing and may resume kicking duties after his quad muscle stood up to a couple of full kicking sessions during the week.

There is one change in the forwards from the team that started against Racing with Cian Healy coming in for Heinke van der Merwe in the front row.

Saracens lost their opening game of the tournament last week at ASM Clermont Auvergne and the Londoner’s director of rugby Brendan Venter has made two changes to his pack ahead of this must-win clash. Number eight Ernst Joubert replaces Scotland back-row Kelly Brown while English-qualified lock Mouritz Botha return to the second-row at Hugh Vyvyan’s expense.

The changes underline Saracens’ physicality up front, although they played with width at Clermont with Alex Goode, David Strettle and Chris Wyles forming a threatening back three outside of robust centre pairing Brad Barritt and Adam Powell.

“They’re looking to create quick ruck ball all the time and if we give them that opportunity then they will be a very hard team to stop,” Leinster skills coach Richie Murphy said of the team lying third in the English Premiership.

Saracens have already sold more than 50,000 tickets for the game and will aim to further boost attendance in the 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium by making tickets available today, with prices starting at £5stg (€5.70).