O’Donohoe To Make Leinster Debut

The Leinster team to face the Scarlets in Saturday evening’s Magners League tie at Parc y Scarlets (kick-off 5.30pm) has been named.

Shane Jennings has recovered from the injury that sidelined him from Ireland ‘A’ action last weekend and captains the Leinster side for their first ever visit to Parc y Scarlets.

Malcolm O’Kelly, fresh from taking his Ireland caps record to 92 games, will partner Trevor Hogan in the second row with Rocky Elsom starting at number 8.

In the back-line, Gordon D’Arcy will partner Fergus McFadden at centre, with Isa Nacewa joining Shane Horgan and full-back Girvan Dempsey in an experienced back-three.

Meanwhile, scrum half Paul O’Donohoe will make his first competitive start for the province in Llanelli. The former Ireland Under-20 Grand Slam winner has been pencilled in to partner Felipe Contepomi at half-back.

Commenting on Saturday’s game, Contepomi said: “We took great heart from our win last year at Stradey Park and it is vital that we approach this game in the same manner.

“Llanelli are a fantastic team. They are in third position in the league and will only be missing a few players who will be involved with Wales.

“They have attacking threats in every position and we have great respect for them. Are these games you enjoy? I’m not too sure ‘enjoy’ is the right word because these games are never easy.

“The Scarlets are the kind of team who can score tries against you at any time. They play a fast, attacking game and I remember last season’s game at the RDS when they scored over 50 points against us.

“I’m sure that it will be a good game to watch in an incredible new stadium. Hopefully the weather will allow us to play a good, attacking game.”

LEINSTER (v Scarlets): Girvan Dempsey; Shane Horgan, Fergus McFadden, Gordon D’Arcy, Isa Nacewa; Felipe Contepomi, Paul O’Donohoe; Cian Healy, Brian Blaney, Stan Wright, Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O’Kelly, Cameron Jowitt, Shane Jennings (capt), Rocky Elsom.

Replacements: Bernard Jackman, Ronan McCormack, Devin Toner, Stephen Keogh, Simon Keogh, Jonathan Sexton, Gary Brown.