Gerry Thornley runs the rule over Leinster's starting XV for tomorrow's Heineken European Cup semi final at Lansdowne Road
1 Reggie Corrigan
Leinster Caps: 115.
Leinster Debut: v Ulster, Aug 97.
Heineken Cup Caps: 55.
This Season: Played - 19. Points - 0.
Not the leg power of old obviously, but the old hand holding a remodelled pack together. That scrum for the Jowitt try in Toulouse was largely down to Reggie. A true pro, the ex-captain seems almost to be more involved and playing better this season, perhaps benefiting Alan Shearer-like from having no international demands.
2 Brian Blaney
Leinster Caps: 20.
Leinster Debut: v Glasgow, Oct 03.
Heineken Cup Caps: 6.
This Season: Played - 14 (+2). Points - 10 (2 tries).
Third of four in the remarkable pecking order of Blaney hookers and third in the Leinster queue at the outset of the season - he didn't appear until the end of October. But, helped by the accuracy of his darts, has made bigstep this season. Mobile and lively, and is now adding power and experience.
3 Will Green
Leinster Caps: 19.
Leinster Debut: v Ospreys, Sep 05.
Heineken Cup Caps: 43 (39 for Wasps, 4 for Leinster).
This Season: Played - 19. Points - 10 2 tries).
An utter pro and Test prop keen for improvement rather than resting on some decent English laurels. Has developed his scrumagging technique with Leinster. A real bonus in the loose too, with good hands. His line of running for his support try in Bath was brilliant.
4 Bryce Williams
Leinster Caps: 20.
Leinster Debut: v Ulster, Oct 05.
Heineken Cup Caps: 7.
This Season: Played - 20. Points - 5 (1 try).
In Michael Cheika's brave new world, and with a less than domineering pack, securing lineout ball is key and hence the ex-Auckland Blues player hasbeaten off rivals - for that is what this quality, middle-of-the-line lock does best. Seems to be showing up more with ball carries in recent games.
5 Malcolm O'Kelly
Leinster Caps: 99.
Leinster Debut: v Northern Transvaal, Feb 95.
Heineken Cup Caps: 48.
This Season: Played - 11 (+ 1). Points - 0.
"An underrated artistic genius," as one Leinsterman brilliantly described him. Ireland's most capped player of all time has always been a freakishly talented athlete. No team can play without the ball and no Irish forward has ever won it better. A leader and big-game player.
6 Cameron Jowitt
Leinster Caps: 15.
Leinster Debut: v Cardiff, Oct 05.
Heineken Cup Caps: 6.
This Season: Played - 15. Points - 25 (5 tries).
The laid-back, Auckland-reared Samoan came over for a bit of footie with Lansdowne and ends up playing in the biggest all-Irish game - and perhaps with an Irish future as well. Ostensibly a lock, he's learning about backrow play all the time. Brings a typically Samoan, rangy physicality to Leinster's play and try-scoring.
7 Keith Gleeson
Leinster Caps: 68.
Leinster Debut: v Glasgow, Aug 01.
Heineken Cup Caps: 29.
Season: Played - 23. Points - 10 tries).
Has slowly regained his best form since freakish successive fractures (to arm and leg) and Ireland's loss this season has been Leinster's gain. Only ever-present this season and has only been taken off twice in injury-time. An intuitive openside, seemingly made of rubber at the breakdown.
8 Jamie Heaslip
Leinster Caps: 23.
Leinster Debut: v Ospreys, Mar 05.
Heineken Cup Caps: 6.
This Season: Played - 20 (+1). Points 20 (4 tries).
Always destined for great things, Heaslip was the stand-out player in the Irish under-21 World Cup finals two years ago. Physical and wonderfully dynamic, has had to curb a tendency to do it all on his own and develop more of a handling game. Has the ingredients to go all the way and is itching for it.
9 Guy Easterby
Leinster Caps: 39.
Leinster Debut: v Munster, Sep 04.
Heineken Cup Caps: 31 (Ebbw Vale 6, Llanelli 14, Leinster 11)
This Season: Played - 17 (+2). Points - 5 (1 try).
The kind of physical scrumhalf presence there to largely serve those around him, the durable, well-travelled Easterby has grasped his chance to such effect that he has started the last 14 games.
10 Felipe Contepomi
Leinster Caps: 50.
Leinster Debut: v Ospreys, Nov 03.
Heineken Cup Caps: 27 (Bristol 15, Leinster 12).
This Season: Played - 22. Points - 354 (13t, 65p, 47c).
Has emerged as gifted playmaker, yet needs to keep his cool today of all days. Plays on gain-line with head up, takes chances, appreciates space seemingly in the blink of an eye and creates for others.
11 Denis Hickie
Leinster Caps: 103.
Leinster Debut: v Genoa President's XV, Sep 96.
Heineken Cup Caps: 46.
This Season: Played - 11 (+3). Points - 25 (5 tries).
Knocked by injury this season and loss of Irish place, his confidence seemed to wilt. But form is temporary, Hickie's class remains as seen in Toulouse with that vintage try (his 51st for Leinster).
12 Gordon D'Arcy
Leinster Caps: 101.
Leinster Debut:v Edinburgh, Sep 98.
Heineken Cup Caps: 42.
This Season: Played - 14 (+1). Points - 30 (6 tries).
Short of confidence in his decision making at times, yet getting a bit of unfair press this season. Still beating players and making carries out of nothing. Blessed with extraordinary leg strength and footwork.
13 Brian O'Driscoll
Leinster Caps: 73.
Leinster Debut: v Munster, Aug 99.
Heineken Cup Caps: 39.
This Season: Played - 7 (+1). Points - 20 (4 tries).
The world's best player? Confounded many doubters coming back better than ever from his shoulder reconstruction. Now reaching his prime, ye gods. Has never seemed a better leader nor more committed.
14 Shane Horgan
Leinster Caps: 99.
Leinster Debut: v Ulster, Aug 98.
Heineken Cup Caps: 51.
This Season: Played - 14 (+1). Points - 30 (6 tries).
Has taken his justifiable Lions frustrations out on all comers, emerging as a big-game player and leader for province and country, invariably involved in key moments or scores. Another with innate athleticism.
15 Girvan Dempsey
Leinster Caps: 106.
Leinster Debut: v Treviso, Sep 96.
Heineken Cup Caps: 48.
This Season: Played - 21. Points - 25 (5 tries).
Ironically, omitted from Ireland when possibly having his best season. Vastly experienced and quicker than given credit for.Now hitting the line, breaking tackles and scoring while remaining a defensive rock.
