Leinster sweat on fitness of stars

LEINSTER chiefs will learn this morning the extent of the injuries sustained by key players in Friday night’s Magners League semi-final win over Ulster as they finalise preparations for Saturday’s Heineken Cup final.

Joe Schmidt’s side eased to victory over their provincial counterparts but were left fretting over a handful of knocks, the most alarming of which was a knee injury which forced Brian O’Driscoll’s early departure.

O’Driscoll is renowned as a quick healer so hopes are high he is not forced out of the European decider against Northampton Saints. Mike Ross, Richardt Strauss and Isaac Boss were also hauled ashore prematurely but Schmidt sounded a positive note when quizzed on those blows after the game although subsequent scans will give a clearer picture.

Meanwhile, a scan on Munster back row Denis Leamy has revealed no serious damage after the Irish international was taken to hospital with a neck injury on Saturday night following the side’s win over Ospreys which set up a final clash against Leinster. However, Leamy is still rated as a doubt for that game on May 28, in Thomond Park.