Van der Linde in line for Leinster start

CJ Van der Linde could be in line for his first start for Leinster this season against Ulster in Saturday's Magners League clash at Ravenhill (KO: 6pm).

Coach Michael Cheika announced an extended 28-man squad in which there are no surprises with lock Leo Cullen injury-free to keep the captaincy.

Also included is flanker Shane Jennings, currently serving a 12-week ban for gouging. Leinster management are however hopeful that an appeal against the suspension will be heard this week.

The team is expected to be named on Friday lunchtime.

LEINSTER SQUAD (v Ulster):

FORWARDS: Leo Cullen, John Fogarty, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Nathan Hines, Bernard Jackman, Shane Jennings, Stephen Keogh, Ronan McCormack, Kevin McLaughlin, Malcolm O'Kelly, Sean O'Brien, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, CJ van der Linde;

BACKS: Shaun Berne, Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Horgan, Chris Keane, Rob Kearney, Simon Keogh, Fergus McFadden, Isa Nacewa, Brian O'Driscoll, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton.