Leinster could do with a pick-me-up win right now. They hope to do so with an inexperienced side.
The smart money is now on Paddy Jackson to deputise for Johnny Sexton in the Six Nations.
Ian Madigan is the only one of 16 Leinster players in Joe Schmidt’s squad to be released for provincial duty this weekend. The versatile back is named on Leinster’s bench for their away date with Newport Gwent Dragons this weekend.
Cathal Marsh continues at out-half, a role he occupied for 70 minutes in the chastening Champions Cup loss to Wasps, last Saturday. This will be the ninth appearance [fifth start] for the 23-year-old in the senior squad.
Leinster are preparing for life after Madigan, who will join Bordeaux Begles in the summer, and backing Marsh. The lack of game time at 10 is the last thing Madigan needs heading into the Six Nations.
Speaking at the tournament launch, on Wednesday, Schmidt told us Madigan was in the picture but could offer no more guarantees. He said:
“[Ian] won’t be out of our thoughts, but Paddy Jackson came off the bench in several of the Six Nations matches last year, and Ian Keatley started against Italy last year.
“So there is competition for Ian, and there’s always a risk in him going away. We can’t be any more transparent than that really.”
Leinster coach Leo Cullen has made some bold selections for the Guinness PRO12 fixture. Adam Byrne, who has one Leinster cap to his name, starts on the right wing while Peter Dooley and James Tracy are in the front row.
On the bench, prop Jeremy Loughman, Oisín Heffernan and Peader Timmins are all without a senior cap.
LEINSTER (caps in brackets)
15. Zane Kirchner (55)
14. Adam Byrne (1)
13. Garry Ringrose (10)
12. Ben Te’o (27)
11. Fergus McFadden (136)
10. Cathal Marsh (8)
9. Luke McGrath (38) CAPTAIN
1. Peter Dooley (10)
2. James Tracy (12)
3. Michael Bent (59)
4. Ross Molony (10)
5. Hayden Triggs (4)
6. Dominic Ryan (96)
7. Dan Leavy (8)
8. Jordi Murphy (68)
Subs:
Richardt Strauss (121), Jeremy Loughman (0), Oisín Heffernan (0), Tadhg Beirne (3), Peadar Timmins (0), Isaac Boss (130), Ian Madigan (138), Noel Reid (52).
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