Madigan dropped for Toulon clash

Leinster out-half Ian Madigan has been replaced by Jimmy Gopperth for Sunday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulon.

Madigan dropped for Toulon clash

Leinster out-half Ian Madigan has been replaced by Jimmy Gopperth for Sunday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulon.

Madigan is one of a number of changes to the team that faced Munster last weekend in the Aviva Stadium.

Two of those changes are in the pack with Cian Healy and Rhys Ruddock recovering from ankle and calf injuries respectively.

Healy takes Michael Bent’s place and Ruddock returns for Kevin McLaughlin.

In the backs, Dave Kearney has shaken off a knock he took in training last week and is in for Luke Fitzgerald.

Leinster coach Matt O'Connor admitted there were some hard calls to make on selection:

“We have trained really well all week. A full squad and everyone at full tilt is not something we have had at our disposal in quite a while. That creates challenges for us as a coaching group but the players have brought a great intensity to the paddock all week and each and every one of them has put their hands up.

“There are disappointed blokes left behind, but we also have a 23 that we believe are more than capable of delivering a performance. This is a huge battle and we are under no illusions. Going down to the Stade Felix Mayol is not for the faint hearted. We have huge respect for what they bring to the contest.

“They are the current Heineken Cup champions and rightly favourites. But we are ready for the battle. We have a fit squad that are relishing the enormity of the challenge that we face.”

Leinster team to face Toulon:

15: R Kearney, 14: F McFadden, 13: B O'Driscoll, 12: G D'Arcy, 11: D. Kearney, 10: Gopperth, 9: Reddan; 1: Healy, 2: Strauss, 3: Ross, 4: Toner, 5: McCarthy, 6: Ruddock, 7: Jennings, 8: Heaslip (C)

Replacements

16: Cronin, 17: McGrath, 18: Moore, 19: Cullen, 20: Murphy, 21: Boss, 22: Madigan, 23: Kirchner

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