Kidney names team to face Ospreys

Leinster coach Declan Kidney has resisted the temptation to meet leaders The Ospreys with his first choice side at St Helen’s in the Celtic League on Friday night (7.05pm).

Despite this, Denis Hickie has been restored to the wing, in place of Shane Horgan, and scrum-half Guy Easterby should receive plenty of protection that will include England A prop Ricky Nebbett, young openside Shane Jennings and second row Ben Gissing.

Des Dillon will step in for Victor Costello at number eight and Eric Miller will take his position on the bench if he can shake off the effects of a neck strain. Otherwise, Ciaran Potts will be added to the squad.

Meanwhile Leinster rugby confirmed today that they will have bucket-seats in place on the East Terrace for the visit of Zurich Premiership giants Bath on October 30, the first of their Heineken Cup matches.

The capacity will rise to 24,000 and there should be a heightened atmosphere with the upper tiers of the main stands closed for the game.

All tickets purchased will be valid for the new open-plan seating.

Leinster (v The Ospreys): G Dempsey; G Brown, B O'Driscoll, F Contepomi, D Hickie; D Holwell, G Easterby; R Corrigan (Capt), S Byrne, R Nebbett, M O'Kelly, B Gissing, A McCullen, S Jennings, D Dillon.

Replacements: E Byrne, G Hickie, L Cullen, E Miller/C Potts, B O'Meara, G D'Arcy, S Horgan.