Jennings and Reddan return for Leinster

Leinster coach Michael Cheika has included both Shane Jennings and Eoin Reddan in his starting XV to face the Cardiff Blues in…

Leinster coach Michael Cheika has included both Shane Jennings and Eoin Reddan in his starting XV to face the Cardiff Blues in the Magners League on Sunday afternoon (4pm). Both were part of the Ireland squad that won at Twickenham last weekend, though only Jennings got on the pitch.

The flanker will captain a youthful looking side from openside, while scrumhalf Reddan partners outhalf Shaun Berne.

The backrow is completed by Kevin McLaughlin and number eight Stephen Keogh.

The front five has an experienced look to it but the backline sees some of the province’s emerging prospects - fullback Girvan Dempsey and left wing Isa Nacewa aside - given a shout.

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Andrew Conway (18), who has recently impressed for both Leinster and Ireland under-20s, will line out on the right wing, with Eoin O'Malley and Fergus McFadden forming the central partnership.

The game could see third-placed Leinster climb back to the top of the table if results elsewhere go their way.

Under-20s captain Rhys Ruddock and outhalf Ian Madigan are named amongst the replacements, alongside the likes of Ireland internationals Trevor Hogan and Mike Ross.

Berne says the return of Jennings and Reddan is a boost to the stretched squad ahead of a tough trip.

"Even though we won last time out against Cardiff in the RDS, Sunday's game will be a real test for us coming, as it does, when so many of our players are away on international duty,” said the Australian today.

“At this time of year the squad's resources are stretched, but with a few of the international players returning, we're in a good frame of mind ahead of the game.

"Having played Cardiff twice before with Bath, you know what to expect against them, or any Welsh side for that matter; pride, physicality and a high skill level.”

The outhalf added that now is the time for him and players like O’Malley and Conway to give Cheika a selection headache.

"For those of us who want to play regularly in the side as we approach the business end of the season, Sunday will present an opportunity to stake a claim.

"As well as the pride in representing Leinster, the Ireland players who have been released this week will no doubt look to Jonathan Sexton's example last month when a good showing against the Scarlets helped him earn a spot in the win over England last weekend.

"It's imperative that we begin well and look to dominate the key exchanges and if we manage that we'll need to be playing at the top of our game to get the win."

Leinster (v Cardiff):Girvan Dempsey; Andrew Conway, Eoin O'Malley, Fergus McFadden, Isa Nacewa; Shaun Berne, Eoin Reddan; Stan Wright, Bernard Jackman, CJ van der Linde; Devin Toner, Malcolm O'Kelly; Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings (capt), Stephen Keogh

Replacements:Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross, Trevor Hogan, Rhys Ruddock, Paul O'Donohoe, Ian Madigan, Simon Keogh