Brian O'Driscoll is out of Leinster’s Amlin Challenge cup final against Stade Francais tomorrow night at the RDS. The centre, who earlier today announced he will play on for one more season, has failed to recover from a back injury sustained in the RaboDirect PRO 12 semi-final, against Glasgow Warriors.
Coach Joe Schmidt says he is working hard to ensure he is fit for next weekend’s RaboDirect PRO 12 final against Ulster.
Rob Kearney starts tomorrow night’s game at full back, with Conway and Nacewa on the wings. McFadden and Madigan in the centre with Sexton and Boss in the half backs.
Isaac Boss and Jonathan Sexton are at nine and ten, while Ian Madigan and Fergus McFadden start in the middle, with Madigan to make his 80th appearance for the province.
Cian Healy is on the bench with Jack McGrath starting, while Sean Cronin and Mike Ross complete the front row.
Quinn Roux and Devin Toner are in the second row with Ruddock, O'Brien and Heaslip in the back row, Heaslip Captains the side.
The bench is stacked with experience as, in addition to Healy, it contains Richardt Strauss, Jamie Hagan, Leo Cullen, Shane Jennings, John Cooney, Andrew Goodman and Dave Kearney.
Leinster starting XV
15: Rob Kearney
14: Andrew Conway
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Ian Madigan
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Isaac Boss
1: Jack McGrath
2: Sean Cronin
3: Mike Ross
4: Quinn Roux
5: Devin Toner
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Sean O’Brien
8: Jamie Heaslip CAPTAIN
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Richardt Strauss
17: Cian Healy
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Leo Cullen
20: Shane Jennings
21: John Cooney
22: Andrew Goodman
23: Dave Kearney
Image: Brian O'Driscoll
©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
