Leinster v Ospreys, Tomorrow, Donnybrook. On TV: Setanta 4.45 Three defeats in their last four matches have not only put paid to Leinster's chances of remaining in the title hunt but have even jeopardised their aspirations of a home draw in the quarter-finals of the end-of-season Celtic Cup, which might yet yield valuable match practice.
But a win would keep the Dragons and the improving Scarlets at bay and also open the door for Munster. To that end, Eric Miller's call-up to the Tsunami match stretches Leinster's resources further, given they are already without eight other Irish internationals.
At full strength it could have been quite a match, bearing in mind the Ospreys have six players on Welsh duty and another four are injured: Andy Lloyd (back), David Bishop (Achilles'), Paul James (knee) and Huw Bennett (neck).
In their last three matches alone Leinster have been obliged to use 35 players, and their line-up tomorrow hinges on how Gordon D'Arcy goes in training today. He seems likely to start, while another player on the mend, Keith Gleeson, is set to play some part.
Leinster's 11-3 defeat to the Ospreys at the Gnoll last November was an eye-opening second outing in the Northern Hemisphere for David Holwell, but the Kiwi has responded superbly, and his first kick will bring up his century in this competition. Holwell has accumulated a remarkable 197 points in 15 games to date.
Although they have a patchwork look to them and have been moved from Lansdowne Road (where they have scored 204 points in the last three matches), Leinster are unbeaten in 11 home games this season. Given the return of D'Arcy and Gleeson should also boost the crowd, they're can maintain that run.
LEINSTER (possible): D Hewitt; K Lewis, C Warner, G D'Arcy, G Brown; D Holwell, G Easterby; J Lyne, D Blaney, R Nebbett, D Dillon, B Gissing, C Potts, S Jennings, V Costello. Replacements (from): E Byrne, G Hickie, A McCullen, N Ronan, K Gleeson, B O'Riordan, B O'Meara, D McAllister, J Norton, J McWeeney.
OSPREYS (from): A Durston, S Terblanche, R Mustoe, D Tiueti, E Seveali'I, A Bishop, M Jones, S Connor, J Spice, R Rees; A Millward, D Jones, C Griffiths, R Hibbard, B Williams (capt), A Newman, L Bateman, A Wyn Jones, R Pugh, J Bater, J Thomas, S Tandy, N Bonner-Evans.
Referee: Andy Ireland (SRU).
Forecast: Leinster to win.
