Sean O'Brien back in the Leinster team for tomorrow nights Rabo Direct Pro12 with Edinburgh at the RDS. O'Brien will make his first appearance in the Pro12 since the December fixture in the RDS against Ulster that ultimately threatened his entire season. The Ireland back row was carried off that evening with a shoulder injury it was thought that his season would be over but his recovery has gone to plan and is actually ahead of schedule so Matt O'Connor has recalled him to the starting 15.
Jordi Murphy and Jamie Heaslip complete the back row, Murphy coming in for one of last week's try scorers Shane Jennings. The other changes in the pack sees a completely new front row as recently crowned Leinster Players' Player of the Year Jack McGrath, lines out with Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross. Leo Cullen captains the side from the second row in place of Devin Toner with Mike McCarthy beside him.
There are two changes to the backs with Rob Kearney making way for the returning Fergus McFadden who takes his place on the right wing, with Zane Kirchner taking over the number 15 jersey. McFadden's return is another timely boost as there had been doubts about whether or not he could return in time for the end of season run in having picked up a knee injury in the away loss to Toulon. Dave Kearney is once again selected on the left wing, as are Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll in the centre. The final change is a straight swap at outhalf with Jimmy Gopperth coming in for his 27th Leinster cap, with 212 points to his name this year and Ian Madigan reverting to the bench.
LEINSTER:
15: Zane Kirchner
14: Fergus McFadden
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Dave Kearney
10: Jimmy Gopperth
9: Isaac Boss
1: Jack McGrath
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen
5: Mike McCarthy
6: Sean O'Brien
7: Jordi Murphy
8: Jamie Heaslip
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Sean Cronin
17: Cian Healy
18: Martin Moore
19: Rhys Ruddock
20: Dominic Ryan
21: Luke McGrath
22: Ian Madigan
23: Rob Kearney
