Leinster boosted by return of internationals

Sean Cronin, David Kearney, Fergus McFadden and Eoin Reddan return to the Leinster starting line-up to face the Scarlets in Friday night’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash in the RDS (7.35pm).

The four are included after their involvement in Ireland’s last Six Nations game against Wales just under a fortnight ago and are named in a squad which also includes Dominic Ryan, named amongst the replacements after a three and a half month absence through injury.

Kevin McLaughlin leads the team for the second time and he is named in an all-Ireland back-row alongside Shane Jennings and the returning Rhys Ruddock who starts at number eight.

Damian Browne again partners Devin Toner at second row, while Jack McGrath makes his 15th appearance in a front row which includes Cronin and Jamie Hagan.

In the backline Eoin O’Malley partners McFadden at centre, with scrum-half Reddan linking up with Ian Madigan – who passed the half century points mark for the province last week when he scored his seventh try in 15 games – at out half.

Heinke van der Merwe is in line to make his 50th appearance for the province should he come on as a replacement and he is named on a bench which includes Isaac Boss and Richardt Strauss.

Looking ahead to Friday night’s game, Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt said that he is expecting a tough game against the Scarlets.

“This time of the year is very disjointed; both in terms of player availability and scheduling. We are pleased to welcome back a few of our internationals this week though their training time with us has been limited.

“Having said that, the quality they bring will hopefully help us to keep some of the momentum from last week's Treviso second half.

“The Scarlets have proven that they can win on the road which makes them dangerous opponents, even though they will also be without some of their international players.

“They play a direct and attacking style of rugby with a lot of speed and movement in their game.

“ Nigel Davies has the team playing in a really positive manner after a tough start to the season and they now sit just outside the semi-final spots - further motivation for them to come to the RDS looking to add a further four points to get closer to play-off contention.”

Friday night’s game will also incorporate the province’s annual ‘Ladies Night’ with proceeds going to Action Breast Cancer.

Leinster (v Scarlets): I Nacewa; D Kearney, E O’Malley, F McFadden, F Carr; I Madigan, E Reddan; J McGrath, S Cronin, J Hagan; D Browne, D Toner, K McLaughlin (c), S Jennings, R Ruddock.

Replacements: R Strauss, H van der Merwe, N White, L Auva’a, D Ryan, I Boss, N Reid, B Macken.