Two big calls in Leinster’s expected team to face Scarlets

Leinster are set to unleash one hell of a starting XV on Scarlets, with five Ireland internationals on the bench.

This Saturday sees Scarlets return to Dublin, a happy stomping ground last season, for a Champions Cup semi-final in front of a sell-out crowd.

Leinster flanker Dan Leavy dropped all the spin, earlier this week, when he said the last four clash at the Aviva Stadium was effectively another home match. Given that the game will take place in the leafy heart of Dublin 4, it is hard to argue with him.

“We’re in finals rugby here,” said Leavy. “It’s all about going out and playing the best game you can play. I think if we do that, and play the best rugby we can play, we’ll be in with a good shot.”

Scarlets hit Leinster and then Munster with the best rugby they had to finish 2017/18 as PRO12 champions. They have impressed in their league title defence whilst managing to stage a riveting tilt at the Champions Cup too.

Leinster are expected to name an extremely strong starting XV but one that does not include Luke McGrath or Sean O’Brien. Listed as ’50/50′ by Stuart Lancaster on Monday, neither is likely to feature in the last four clash.

O’Brien may have faced a fight to wrest that No.7 jersey off Leavy but the loss of McGrath means Kiwi winger James Lowe is also set to miss out. Leinster, due to European Union employment laws, may only select two from their three non Irish-qualified New Zealanders and Australians. Jamison Gibson-Park will step in for McGrath, leaving Wallabies star Fardy to take the one remaining, allocated slot.

The selections of Fardy and Gibson Park are the two stand-out calls but there are others due when the matchday squad is confirmed.

Lowe is set to be replaced on the left wing by Isa Nacewa, with the returning Robbie Henshaw taking the No.12 jersey. Fergus McFadden is expected to hold off Jordan Larmour to start on the right wing.

LEINSTER’S EXPECTED XV

15. Rob Kearney

14. Fergus McFadden
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Isa Nacewa

10. Johnny Sexton
9. Jamison Gibson Park

1. Cian Healy
2. Sean Cronin
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. James Ryan
6. Scott Fardy
7. Dan Leavy
8. Jordi Murphy

Replacements: James Tracy, Jack McGrath, Andrew Porter, Ross Molony, Max Deegan, Nick McCarthy, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour.

Leinster will officially confirm their matchday squad just after midday on Friday.

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