Big boys back for Blues in Treviso

Leinster landed at Treviso Airport yesterday and unloaded 12 Irish internationals off the plane, including Brian O’Driscoll, Jonathan Sexton and Cian Healy.

Coach Joe Schmidt spoke in empathic terms about the youthful promise shown by his side in last weekend’s 45-20 win over Newport Gwent Dragons, then told half of that squad to put their feet up.

Ian Madigan was in scintillating form in the out-half role against Dragons and it will be interesting to see him at full-back for this encounter. Madigan could yet share this role with Rob Kearney as the season progresses. Another player to watch closely will be Jamie Heaslip, who captains the side for the evening.