Sides depleted but upbeat nonetheless

Leinster v Glasgow:THE TIMING of this rearranged fixture guaranteed that both sides would be severely depleted but the Scottish visitors look marginally worse off as they have travelled without 14 players because of injury or national team commitments. The latest withdrawal was Colin Shaw, who is required at the Adelaide Sevens and his place on the right wing goes to Hefin O'Hare.

Glasgow Warriors coach Sean Lineen retained a positive philosophy in the aftermath of a 19-19 draw with Connacht the last day and hasn’t changed his opinion.

“Considering injuries and call-ups, I’ve been really pleased by how the players have responded. I was impressed with how the players stepped up against Connacht, and since then, they have trained outstandingly well ahead of what is another significant step up against European champions Leinster.”

The Irish province knows this is a game that they cannot afford to lose given the close proximity of their opponents in terms of the league table. Leinster coach Michael Cheika gives Simon Keogh a rare start on the right wing and retains faith in the young midfield pairing of Eoin O’Malley and Fergus McFadden.

Paul O’Donohue deserves his chance at scrumhalf while CJ van der Linde shifts across to loosehead with Mike Ross handed the number-three jersey from the start. Bernard Jackman will captain the team in the absence of Leo Cullen and Shane Jennings.

Malcolm O’Kelly makes a staggering 180th appearance for Leinster while 21-year-old Paul Ryan is given a start at openside wing forward. Glasgow have yet to lose against Irish opposition while 16 of their 33 points have come on the road this season, but they have never won in 11 matches in all competitions in Dublin.

Leinster’s tyros produced a fine display in beating Cardiff and a performance of similar vintage will be required tonight. Jackman pointed out: “The win over Cardiff was satisfying because everyone stepped up to the plate. It was a real team performance and some of the younger guys really put it up to them which does give you a good lift.”

LEINSTER: G Dempsey; S Keogh, E O’Malley, F McFadden, I Nacewa; S Berne, P O’Donohue; CJ van der Linde, B Jackman (capt), M Ross; D Toner, M O’Kelly; K McLaughlin, P Ryan, S Keogh. Replacements: R Strauss, S Wright, T Hogan, E Sheriff, C Keane, I Madigan, M Keating.

GLASGOW WARRIORS: B Stortoni: H O’Hare, P Murchie, P Horne, DTH van der Merwe; R Jackson, M McMillan (capt); J Welsh, D Hall, E Kalman; T Barker, D Turner; J Eddie; C Forrester, R Vernon. Replacements: F Thomson, M Low, R Harley, C Fusaro, C Gregor, D McCall, C Kinloch.

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales).

Verdict: Leinster to win.