Goodman to make debut against Clermont
Recent Leinster signing Andrew Goodman will make his Heineken Cup debut when he lines out at inside centre against Clermont in Sunday’s crucial Pool 5 meeting at the Stade Marcel Michelin (3pm Irish time).
Goodman’s inclusion sees Gordon D’Arcy move to outside centre. The Wexford man will become the most capped Leinster player in Heineken Cup history when he takes to the field.
Jonathan Sexton will make his 100th appearance for the province after being named in the side for Sunday’s clash in France and the Ireland out-half will partner Isaac Boss at half back.
Ian Madigan has been asked to do a job a fullback once more with Isa Nacewa and Fergus McFadden occupying the wings.
Leo Cullen leads the team and is named in an all-Ireland pack which features seven internationals as well as Ireland ‘A’ lock Damian Browne.
Mike Ross starts in the front row - alongside Sean Cronin and Cian Healy - and the Cork man will make his 75th appearance since his 2009 move to the province.
Leinster (v. Clermont Auvergne): I Madigan; F McFadden, G D’Arcy, I Nacewa; J Sexton, I Boss; C Healy, S Cronin, M Ross; L Cullen capt, D Browne; K McLaughlin, S O’Brien, J Heaslip.
Replacements: R Strauss, J McGrath, M Bent, D Toner, S Jennings, E Reddan, F Carr, A Conway.
