Shaun Berne will make his competitive debut for European champions Leinster when they open their Magners League campaign against Scarlets in Llanelli tomorrow evening (6.30pm). The Australian is one half of a new look central partnership with the relatively inexperienced Fergus McFadden, stationed outside a halfpack pairing of Jonathan Sexton and Chris Keane.
Coach Michael Cheika has opted for experience and consistency in the back three with Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey and Isa Nacewa all named.
Similarly, up front, there are few surprises, though Kevin McLaughlin gets the dubious honour of filling Rocky Elsom number six shirt for the first time since the Australian’s return Down Under.
He will win his 11th cap in the backrow with Shane Jennings and Stephen Keogh for support. Seán O’Brien must be content with a place on the bench.
Another new addition, Mike Ross, is also among the replacements as Cian Healy, Tom Fogarty and Stan Wright get the nod for the frontrow.
Cullen has no fears for the new faces and is sure the 30-year-old Berne has the experience to help him bed in quickly.
"The new additions to the squad are settling in well. Shaun Berne is a very experienced player and is a good leader on the field, with a calm head. Mike (Ross) is a very strong guy and has done brilliantly over the last few seasons over in the Premiership,” said the captain.
“After getting his first Ireland cap earlier in the summer he'll have aspirations to do well with Leinster and push on into the Ireland reckoning.”
Cullen is hoping the start to this campaign is better than last year’s.when they won just two out of their first six matches and lost three.
"Our form in the earlier rounds last year wasn't as consistent as we would have liked and it ultimately cost us. We're determined to push on and the Scarlets will be dangerous opponents. They're a great club with great traditions and we know that we will need to face up to the passion and skill levels that they will bring to the game.
"We were lucky to win both of our games against them last year, but this is a fresh start and we're expecting another tough test."
DragonsCoach Paul Turner has replaced the injured Phil Price and Ben Castle with Gethin Robinson and Hugh Gustafson on the bench ahead of their meeting with Ulster at Rodney Parade on Sunday(2.05pm).
"Although we do have a few players on our injury list, they are for the most part returning to play imminently so I'm feeling positive about the start of the season," said Turner. "Obviously losing Ben Castle and Phil Price in the front row is a blow but we are in good shape for the start of the season."
Brian McLaughlin yesterday named Ian Humphreys at outhalf for Ulster. The youngster will partner scrumhalf Isaac Boss, while Ian Whitten and Simon Danielli are to start in the centre.
Hooker and new signing Andy Kyriacou starts in the frontrow with Bryan Young and Brendan Botha.
Leinster:G Dempsey; S Horgan, F McFadden, S Berne, I Nacewa: J Sexton, C Keane; C Healy, J Fogarty, S Wright; L Cullen (capt), M O'Kelly; K McLaughlin, S Jennings, Stephen Keogh.
Replacements: B Jackman / J Harris-Wright, M Ross, D Toner, S O'Brien, P O'Donohoe, Simon Keogh, N Morris
Newport-Gwent Dragons
:J Tovey; A Brew, T Riley, A Smith, R Fussell; J Arlidge, W Evans; A McKenzie, T Willis (capt), N Hall; A Jones, L Charteris; D Lydiate, G Thomas, J Bearman.
Replacements:H Gustafson, S Jones, G Robinson, R Sidoli, G Webb, M Thomas, A Walker.
Ulster :B Cunningham, T Nagusa, A Trimble, I Whitten, S Danielli, I Humphreys, I Boss; B Young, A Kyriacou, B Botha, D Tuohy, R Caldwell, C Henry, W Faloon, R Diack.
Replacements: N Brady, D Fitzpatrick, E O'Donoghue, T Anderson, P Marshall, P Wallace, D Cave.
