Team news: Leinster are set to hand competitive debuts to a number of their summer signings when they face Edinburgh in the Magners Celtic League this weekend.
New recruits Harry Vermaas, Trevor Hogan, Owen Finegan, Stephen Keogh and Chris Whitaker have all been named in the 22-man squad for the province's opening match at Murrayfield.
Weakened by the absence of the six Ireland internationals at the training camp in Poland, coach Michael Cheika is likely to opt for the former duo of Hogan and Keogh in the pack while Whitaker should start alongside Felipe Contepomi in the halfbacks.
The Australian believes the new faces will bring an extra element to his side. "The likes of Chris Whitaker, Owen Finegan, Stephen Keogh and Trevor Hogan will bring added organisation into our pack and around the fringes and we're trying to add a bit more depth and seniority into the team which we maybe lacked last year," the coach said today.
Cheika also has faith in some of the rising stars within the Leinster set-up who, he says, are progressing nicely in the physical side of their game.
"Luke (Fitzgerald) got promoted and progressed past the Academy system and he's a bundle of energy. He's strong and is going well in terms of the physical side of things as are Ross McCarron and Richie Leyden - who has come through club football and would have been right up there for selection this week had he not picked up a knock," said Cheika.
Edinburgh will be looking to impress Lynn Howells as they strive to reverse the unwelcome trend of three defeats in their last four home games at the home of Scottish Rugby. However, for Cheika, a fast start is essential.
"It's important that we start the first part of the season strongly. We lost our first game of last season against the Ospreys and it's important that we improve. Though we have introduced new players, the core of last year's squad is there. We're looking to lift our standards and we're conscious that we're a week behind the other teams so the basics of our game, as pro footballers, has gotta be strong.
"Friday is going to be a tough game because Edinburgh are an aggressive side up front with a very smart back three. (Simon) Webster is a fast player who is always active and is a real threat."
Leinster squad (v Edinburgh): Michael Berne, Gary Brown, Adam Byrnes, Felipe Contepomi, Reggie Corrigan, Guy Easterby, Owen Finegan, Luke Fitzgerald, Will Green, Jamie Heaslip, Trevor Hogan, Bernard Jackman, Rob Kearney, Stephen Keogh, Kieran Lewis, Ross McCarron, Ronan McCormack, Sean O'Brien, Niall Ronan, Harry Vermaas, Christian Warner, Chris Whitaker
