O'Kelly to make 140th appearance for Leinster
The Leinster team to face the Llanelli Scarlets in Saturday evening’s Magners League clash in Stradey Park (KO: 5.30pm) has been named. Malcolm O’Kelly will become the most capped Leinster of all time when he lines up for his 140th appearance.
The five-time capped British & Irish Lion, who is also Ireland’s leading cap holder with 91, made his provincial debut 13 years ago and starts in the second row alongside another player making a landmark appearance, Leo Cullen, who will earn his 100th cap for the province as captain.
In all there are three changes to the team that started last weekend’s 34-18 victory over the Glasgow Warriors. Jonathan Sexton starts at out-half with Felipe Contepomi moving inside him at first centre to partner Michael Berne.
Shane Horgan, who scored a brace of tries last weekend, again forms a lively-looking back three alongside Luke Fitzgerald and full-back Rob Kearney. In the third change, Stephen Keogh starts in the back-row alongside Shane Jennings and Jamie Heaslip. Girvan Dempsey has recovered from injury and is named on a strong replacements panel, which has two positions to be confirmed closer to kick off, alongside the likes of fellow Ireland international Trevor Hogan.
*Meanwhile, a planeload of Leinster supporters will be making an overnight trip to south Wales to support the table-toppers. This specially discounted flight is run in conjunction with Aer Arann, official airline partners to Leinster Rugby.
LEINSTER:
15: Rob Kearney
14: Shane Horgan
13: Michael Berne
12: Felipe Contepomi
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Chris Whitaker
1: Ollie le Roux
2: Bernard Jackman
3: Stan Wright
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Malcolm O’Kelly
6: Stephen Keogh
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jamie Heaslip
REPLACEMENTS: 16: Brian Blaney 17: Cian Healy / Stephen Knoop 18: Trevor Hogan 19: Cameron Jowitt / Keith Gleeson 20: Chris Keane 21: Christian Warner 22: Girvan Dempsey
