Leinster eager to welcome back internationals for trip to Cardiff

The Leinster management hope to be in a position to welcome back several Ireland internationals into the panel for Saturday evening’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Cardiff Blues in City Stadium (6.15pm).

Following Sunday’s 15-13 victory over Connacht, the medical team reported that Richardt Strauss suffered an accidental blow to the face, though at this point he has not been ruled out of contention, with the team set to be announced on Friday lunchtime.

Aside from a number of niggles after the weekend’s arduous test there are no other major injury concerns as the squad shape up for the second match in a block of three successive away games.

Kevin McLaughlin, who was rested for the win in Galway, looks set to return to the squad alongside the likes of Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Rob Kearney, Eoin Reddan, Mike Ross and Jonathan Sexton.

Steven Sykes (knee) hasn’t been ruled out of contention and he too could make the trip to the Welsh capital.

Meanwhile, Isa Nacewa’s 100% 15-point haul took his overall season points tally to 87 in 13 games to date.