Murphy and Kearney make seasonal bows

Jordi Murphy and Dave Kearney make their first starts of the season in Leinster’s Guinness Pro12 clash away to Benetton Treviso at Stadio Monigo tomorrow (2.30pm).

Murphy, who last played competitive rugby in June during Ireland’s tour to Argentina, has recovered from a shoulder injury while Kearney has overcome the knee problem which sidelined him since the PRO12 play-off win over Ulster in May. Kearney will be stationed on the left wing with Darragh Fanning on the right while Luke Fitzgerald is at outside centre. Inside Fitzgerald will be Noel Reid, while Luke McGrath and Jimmy Gopperth have been retained at halfback. Zane Kirchner continues at full-back.

Richardt Strauss starts at hooker having been a try scorer for Ireland in last weekend’s Guinness Series win over Georgia, while Michael Bent and Tadhg Furlong start at loose head and tight head.