Leinster v CardiffShorn of a half a dozen internationals, this top-of-the-table Magners Celtic League clash represents not alone a really tough assignment for Leinster but a litmus test of the squad's depth. Coach Michael Cheika has his hands tied somewhat but his nominated centre pairing of Australians Christian Warner and Michael Berne is likely to inspire some prematch debate.
Berne, now with DLSP, has been an occasional presence in the team since joining the province, so there is no vein of form to analyse but he is playing in the AIB League Division Two. Eoin O'Malley, an underage international with Ireland and Leinster Academy player, has been called up to the bench. He is playing Division One rugby.
Cheika may have opted for Berne's greater physicality alongside Warner, the latter an excellent ball player but thrust into the unfamiliar role of outside centre.
Shane Horgan returns on the right wing, one try short of 50 for the province, while Luke Fitzgerald starts at fullback with Gary Brown on the left wing. Chris Whitaker makes his first start since breaking an ankle in Toulouse, alongside Felipe Contepomi.
The decision to plump for Ollie le Roux at hooker will not alone bring superior power at scrum time but also add to Leinster's ball-carrying resources around the pitch. Cian Healy gets another chance to impress while the indefatigable Stan Wright has proved a mainstay in the pack.
Leo Cullen leads the team, forming a secondrow partnership with Trevor Hogan, while a reshuffled backrow sees Stephen Keogh move to number eight and Cameron Jowitt starting on the blindside. Shane Jennings was not considered because of injury.
Cardiff travel to Dublin five points adrift of their hosts in second place. Coach Dai Young insisted: "We know how important it is for us to get a win in Leinster. They are five points ahead of us and if we don't get anything over in Dublin it will be difficult to close the gap on them with only seven matches remaining.
"We've been boosted by the return of Jamie Roberts, Tom James and Robin Sowden-Taylor from the Wales squad although Robin and Tom haven't had much game time in the last month."
It's a strong Cardiff team, evidenced by the presence of New Zealanders Ben Blair, Paul Tito and the outstanding Xavier Rush, along with Lions and Wales centre Gareth Thomas.
Leinster won the corresponding fixture at the Arms Park (30-19) earlier in the season and have prevailed in their last five games in the Celtic League.
Given the somewhat patchwork nature of their team, a victory tonight would represent one of the finest achievements of the Leinster season.
Cardiff have the more settled side and that could give them the edge. The home team will need a massive performance from their pack and for Contepomi to orchestrate affairs with precision, flecked with his usual flamboyance.
LEINSTER:L Fitzgerald; S Horgan, C Warner, M Berne, G Brown; F Contepomi, C Whitaker; C Healy, O le Roux, S Wright; L Cullen (Capt), T Hogan; C Jowitt, K Gleeson, S Keogh. Replacements: B Blaney, S Knoop, D Toner, K McLaughlin, C Keane, E O'Malley, F Jones.
CARDIFF:B Blair; J Roberts, J Robinson, G Thomas, T James; N MacLeod, J Spice; J Yapp, G Williams, T Filise; S Morgan, P Tito; M Molitika, R Sowden Taylor, X Rush (capt). Replacements: G Powell, T Rhys Tomas, B White, M Lewis, R Rees, R Jones, T Selley.
Referee: P Allan(SRU).
Leading points scorers: Leinster- Jonathan Sexton 59; Cardiff- Nick Robinson 52.
Leading try scorers:Leinster - Jamie Heaslip, Luke Fitzgerald 4 each; Cardiff - Tom James 5.
Verdict:Cardiff to win.
