Berne to make bow for Leinster

Shaun Berne will make his competitive bow for Leinster against The Scarlets in tomorrow's Magners League opener at Parc y Scarlets (KO: 6.30pm).

The team will be led by captain Leo Cullen, making his 118th appearance for the province, alongside Leinster's most capped player Mal O'Kelly (167) in the second row.

There is also a start for the injury-plagued Kevin McLaughlin, a player of immense potential, at blindside in a back-row unit which includes Shane Jennings and Stephen Keogh.

Prop Mike Ross is named on the replacements bench amongst four recent Leinster Academy graduates.

LEINSTER (v The Scarlets):

15: Girvan Dempsey

14: Shane Horgan

13: Fergus McFadden

12: Shaun Berne

11: Isa Nacewa

10: Jonathan Sexton

9: Chris Keane

1: Cian Healy

2: John Fogarty

3: Stan Wright

4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN

5: Malcolm O'Kelly

6: Kevin McLaughlin

7: Shane Jennings

8: Stephen Keogh

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Bernard Jackman / Jason Harris-Wright

17: Mike Ross

18: Devin Toner

19: Sean O'Brien

20: Paul O'Donohoe

21: Simon Keogh

22: Niall Morris