Cheika gives youngsters a chance

Leinster coach Michael Cheika has taken the decisoin to rest most of his frontline players for Friday night's Magners League clash against Edinburgh at Murrayfield (7.45pm).

There are a number of academy players involved, including backs Kyle Tonetti, Niall Morris and Ian McKinley and forwards Jamie Hagan and Jason Harris-Wright, as well as a host of Leinster A recruits.

Ireland internationals Leo Cullen, Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Trevor Hogan and Shane Horgan are included in a squad that features a mix of youth and experience for the visit to the Scottish capital.

The overseas brigade is represented by Ollie le Roux and Isa Nacewa.

Leinster defence coach Kurt McQuilkin wants the depleted squad to take the attitude from the Heineken Cup semi-final win over Harlequins into battle against Edinurgh.

"Last Sunday was an outstanding effort by the team. I thought that the performance embodied all that is good about Leinster - pride, passion and a real commitment to the cause.

"The manner in which the players have put their bodies on the line repeatedly over the course of the season means that we are in a strong position to go up another level, which we need to do over the next few games, starting on Friday," he said.

"We know how tough the task will be on Friday, but there has been a real buzz around training this week. It's a short five-day turnaround so management of players will be an important factor.

"We have a very competitive squad and it's good that the level of competition for places is so high. Friday will provide an opportunity for different players to put their hands up for selection".

LEINSTER SQUAD (v Edinburgh):

FORWARDS (14): Ollie le Roux, Ronan McCormack, Brian Blaney, John Fogarty, Jason Harris-Wright, Jamie Hagan, Stephen Knoop, Leo Cullen, Trevor Hogan, Devin Toner, Cameron Jowitt, Sean O'Brien, Stephen Keogh, Kevin McLaughlin;

BACKS (13): Chris Keane, Paul O'Donohoe, Isa Nacewa, Ian McKinley, Simon Keogh, Gordon D'Arcy, Eamonn Sheridan, Kyle Tonetti, Fergus McFadden, Gary Brown, Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey, Niall Morris.