Roux makes home debut

Leinster’s new overseas signing, Quinn Roux, will make his home debut when the Heineken Cup champions take on Newport Gwent Dragons in tonight’s RaboDirect Pro12 clash at the RDS.

Former South African Stormers lock Roux partners skipper Leo Cullen in the second row as coach Joe Schmidt hands Academy back rower Ben Marshall a rare starting spot. He made his debut for the province away to Ulster two years ago and now comes into the unit alongside Shane Jennings and number eight Leo Auva’a.

Ireland hooker Sean Cronin is included in the front row beside Jamie Hagan and Jack McGrath and that will be a welcome boost to Schmidt as Leinster continue to struggle with injuries.

In the absence of the injured Isaac Boss, John Cooney will link up with Ian Madigan at half-back, with Isa Nacewa the only experienced member of the back division.

However, Schmidt does have a bit of forward experience on the bench in the form of Devin Toner and Heinke van der Merwe.

Meanwhile, Jevon Groves has been handed the captain’s armband for the first time as the Dragons seek to record back-to-back victories.

Fellow back rower Lewis Evans makes his return from injury from the bench whilst former Munster prop Tim Ryan will be looking to start his competitive career at the Dragons as a replacement.

LEINSTER: I Nacewa, A Conway, B Macken, N Reid, F Carr, I Madigan, J Cooney, J McGrath, S Cronin, J Hagan, L Cullen (capt), Q Roux, B Marshall, L Auva’a, S Jennings.

Replacements: T Sexton, H van der Merwe, M Moore, D Toner, J Murphy, L McGrath, C O’Shea, D Hudson.

NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS: D Evans, W Harries, P Leach, A Tuilagi, T Prydie, S Jones; J Evans; N Williams, S Parry, N Buck, I Nimmo, A Jones, Hl Stoddart, J Groves (capt), T Faletau.

Replacements: H Gustafson, A Coundley, T Ryan, L Evans, T Brown, L Davies, A Smith, H Amos.

Referee: M Mitrea (Italy).