Magners League:European champions Leinster have named their first matchday squad of the new season ahead of the Magners League trip to Parc y Scarlets on Saturday. And with their Lions contingent still out of commission, there is a youthful look to Michael Cheika's travelling party.
Academy prospects Brendan Macken (centre) and Niall Morris (fullback/wing) are both included in the 24-man squad, as is summer-signing Shaun Berne.
That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of experience there too, with captain Leo Cullen, fellow lock Malcolm O’Kelly, hooker Bernard Jackman, wing Shane Horgan and fullback Girvan Dempsey all included.
Consultant coach Alan Gaffney expects a tough opener in Wales.
"Whenever you face a Llanelli side you know that you will be up against an expansive side with fast backs and a strong group of forwards and this weekend will be no different,” he said today.
“David Lyons and Simon Easterby are two excellent players in a powerful backrow unit. They have lots of experience in the likes of Deacon Manu and Phil John up front, so we will need to match their power up front.
"In two pre-season friendlies with Bath, either side could have won which would indicate that there will be a revival of sorts with Llanelli this year.
“Don't forget that two or three years ago the majority of the squad were a bounce of the ball away from getting into a Heineken Cup final after beating Munster in the quarter finals.
“They're a very proud team, a club with a lot of history and a fanatical support and remain one of the true powerhouses of European game.”
Munster have also named their squad to take on Glasgow Warriors at Firhill on Friday and could field five debutants as they open their title defence.
Again, none of the province’s Lions tourists have been called upon but newcomers Julien Brugnaut, Toby Moreland, Scott Deasy, Felix Jones and Danny Barnes have all been named in the 25-strong panel.
Brian McLaughlin, meanwhile, has announced his first Ulster squad and includes Ireland internationals Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble and Isaac Boss for their trip to the Neath-Swansea Dragons.
Leinster squad to face Scarlets
Forwards: Leo Cullen, John Fogarty, Cian Healy, Bernard Jackman, Shane Jennings, Stephen Keogh, Ronan McCormack, Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O'Brien, Malcolm O'Kelly, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Stan Wright
Backs: Shaun Berne, Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Chris Keane, Simon Keogh, Brendan Macken, Fergus McFadden, Niall Morris, Isa Nacewa, Paul O'Donohoe, Jonathan Sexton
Munster squad to face Glasgow Warriors
Forwards: Marcus Horan, Tony Buckley, Julien Brugnaut, Denis Fogarty, Damien Varley, Mick O'Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Ian Nagle, Billy Holland, Tommy O'Donnell, Niall Ronan, Denis Leamy, James Coughlan.
Backs: Peter Stringer, Toby Morland, Jeremy Manning, Paul Warwick, Lifeimi Mafi, Tom Gleeson, Barry Murphy, Doug Howlett, Denis Hurley, Scott Deasy, Felix Jones, Danny Barnes.
Ulster squad to face Dragons
Forwards: Nigel Brady, Tom Court, Brendon Botha, Bryan Young, Ed O'Donoghue, Matt McCullough, Andi Kyriacou, Dan Tuohy, Robbie Diack, Ryan Caldwell, Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Declan Fitzpatrick
Backs: Timoci Nagusa, Darren Cave, Niall O'Connor, Simon Danielli, Ian Whitten, Andrew Trimble, Paul Marshall, Bryn Cunningham, Ian Whitten, Isaac Boss, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Wallace, Nevin Spence
