Cheika selects strong side for Munster clash

CJ van der Linde and Rocky Elsom will make their debuts for Leinster against Munster in Sunday's sell-out Magners League clash at the RDS (KO: 7pm) has been named.

It appears coach Michael Cheika has shown his hand for the Heineken Cup by selecting the strongest possible side with Shane Jennings edging out Sean O'Brien and Ronnie McCormack preferred to Stan Wright in the two most contentious decisions.

Skipper Leo Cullen will partner Malcolm O'Kelly in the second row. Johnny Sexton steps infor Isa Nacewa at out-half. Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan and Luke Fitzgerald will form the back three, relegating Rob Kearney to the bench.

LEINSTER (v Munster):

15: Girvan Dempsey

14: Shane Horgan

13: Brian O'Driscoll

12: Felipe Contepomi

11: Luke Fitzgerald

10: Jonathan Sexton

9: Chris Whitaker

1: Ronan McCormack

2: Bernard Jackman

3: CJ Van Der Linde

4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN

5: Malcolm O'Kelly

6: Rocky Elsom

7: Shane Jennings

8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Stan Wright

17: John Fogarty

18: Trevor Hogan

19: Cameron Jowitt

20: Sean O'Brien

21: Chris Keane

22: Rob Kearney