David Holwell has been named among the replacements for Leinster's resumption of their Magners League campaign against the Newport-Gwent Dragons at the RDS tomorrow. The Kiwi has returned to the province as cover at outhalf in the absence of injured playmakers Felipe Contepomi and Isa Nacewa.
Jonathan Sexton will wear the number 10 jersey and partners scrumhalf Chris Whitaker, who captains the side.
"I am delighted that David was so keen to return to Leinster to provide cover over the next few weeks," said coach Michael Cheika today.
"David has outstanding experience as an international class operator and I know how highly he is regarded by those who played with him during his last spell with Leinster, which makes me very confident in him playing an important role for us at this important stage of the season.
"With Felipe Contepomi and Isa Nacewa due to return to action over the next few weeks, it is important that we maintain our momentum and David will provide the extra cover we need in the outhalf position behind Jonathan Sexton."
The 33-year-old Kiwi was a prolific scorer for Leinster during the 2004/2005 season, amassing 282 points in 33 appearances. He holds the province's record for the most points scored in Magners League (26 against Llanelli) and Heineken European Cup (29 against Bourgoin) games.
Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll is joined by Fergus McFadden in the centre, while Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey and Simon Keogh form the back three.
Prop Cian Healy is in the frontrow with hooker Bernard Jackman and Stan Wright and Devin Toner partners Malcolm O'Kelly at secondrow.
Rocky Elsom starts alongside Sean O'Brien and Stephen Keogh in the backrow.
Leinster: Girvan Dempsey; Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll, Fergus McFadden, Simon Keogh; Jonathan Sexton, Chris Whitaker (capt); Cian Healy, Bernard Jackman, Stan Wright; Devin Toner, Malcolm O'Kelly, Rocky Elsom, Sean O'Brien, Stephen Keogh. Replacements: Brian Blaney, CJ van der Linde / Jamie Hagan, Trevor Hogan, Cameron Jowitt, Chris Keane, David Holwell, Gary Brown
