Schmidt puts Madigan in at centre

With Gordon D’Arcy ruled out through injury, Joe Schmidt has opted to play Ian Madigan at inside centre for tomorrows Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final against Biarritz Olympique in the RDS (2.30pm).

D'Arcy is forced to sit out due to a calf strain but it is hoped that the Wexford man will fully recover in time for the visit of Ospreys next weekend.

Andrew Goodman is named among the replacements but Schmidt has chosen an all Blackrock College midfield pairing with Madiagn alongside O'Driscoll, who will make his 83rd European appearance and now lies just four behind second placed Shane Horgan on the all-time provincial list.

Leo Cullen, who passed the 200 cap mark in the recent victory over Munster, will lead an experienced line up.

The back-row unit sees Jamie Heaslip partnering fellow Ireland internationals Shane Jennings and Kevin McLaughlin.

Cian Healy and Mike Ross form an all-Ireland front row alongside hooker Richardt Strauss.

With Dave Kearney still sidelined Fergus McFadden is deployed on the wing while Devon Toner has been preferred to Quinn Roux at lock with the South African named on the bench.

Five of the Leinster replacements have come through the province's Academy.

Leinster (v. Biarritz): R Kearney; F McFadden, B O’Driscoll, I Madigan, I Nacewa; J Sexton, I Boss; C Healy, R Strauss, M Ross; L Cullen (capt), D Toner; K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Heaslip.

Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, J Hagan, Q Roux, R Ruddock, J Cooney, A Goodman, A Conway.