Sexton, Cullen and McFadden start for Leinster

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt has named his side for Friday’s Magners League clash with the Scarlets at the RDS (kick-off 7.35pm).

Leo Cullen, Fergus McFadden and Jonathan Sexton, who have been on international duty, return to the starting line-up as the province look to build on last weekend’s 30-5 victory over Benetton Treviso.

Cullen joins fellow Ireland internationals Kevin McLaughlin, Rhys Ruddock and Devin Toner in the pack while Stan Wright will start only his second game of the season against the Welsh region.

Bank of Ireland Player of the Month Isa Nacewa continues at fullback in a back three which also includes Dave Kearney and Niall Morris.

McFadden links up with Eoin O’Malley at centre, with Sexton partnering fellow Ireland international Isaac Boss at half-back.

Scotland’s Nathan Hines is included amongst the replacements alongside Old Belvedere back Daniel Riordan.

Leinster: Isa Nacewa; Niall Morris, Eoin O’Malley, Fergus McFadden, Dave Kearney; Jonathan Sexton, Isaac Boss, Heinke van der Merwe, Richardt Strauss, Stan Wright; Leo Cullen (C), Devin Toner; Kevin McLaughlin, Dominic Ryan, Rhys Ruddock.

Replacements: Jason Harris-Wright, Jack McGrath, Simon Shawe, Nathan Hines, Paul Ryan, Paul O’Donohoe, Ian Madigan, Daniel Riordan