Celtic League news: Leinster continue to be optimistic about the chances of centre David Quinlan being available for their Celtic Cup quarter-final match against Ulster in Ravenhill Road on Friday evening.
Quinlan, who was sent off in injury time in Leinster's game against Edinburgh last Friday, will face a mandatory disciplinary hearing this evening. But Leinster officials are hopeful that he may get off without incurring a match ban.
Quinlan, who has a very good disciplinary record, was shown the red card for what was described as verbal abuse of Welsh referee Hugh Watkins seven minutes into injury time at Donnybrook.
In addition to the red card, Watkins also awarded a penalty against Leinster and instead of a home drop-out following an Edinburgh conversion, Brendan Laney kicked a long-range free from the half-way line to secure Edinburgh the match by three points. If Quinlan is unavailable for Friday's game, Leinster will be without two of their front line centres.
In addition outhalf Christian Warner, who was a late casualty last week with a neck strain, is still in doubt for the Ulster game as is outside centre Kieran Lewis. Lewis is to have a scan on what was believed to be a bruised knee.
Leinster kicker Matthew Leek has a groin strain and lasted only 65 minutes last week while open-side flanker Shane Jennings was forced off the pitch early in the first half with shin problems. Both players are doubtful.
In contrast Ulster coach Alan Solomons is able to field an unchanged back line to that which helped run in 37 points against Gwent Dragons.
But there are a few changes in the pack with Paul Shields coming into the front row for Matt Sexton. The hooker received a knock on the head against Gwent and although he has not been diagnosed with concussion the Ulster medial team are erring on the side of caution and Sexton is not available for selection.
Matt McCullough, who came on in the second row against Gwent and impressed, will start in his first game since Ulster's friendly against Orrell in pre-season friendlies, with Rowan Frost losing out.
The back row has been re-jigged as captain Andy Ward moves to what is considered by Solomons to be his best position at blind side flanker with out-and-out open side Neil Best coming in at number seven for Roger Wilson.
Connacht will also select today for their fourth match away from home, this week in Llanelli. Having played their best match of the series last week in Glasgow, coach Michael Bradley must be satisfied with Connacht's ability to produce results.
Bradley, though, will be without left wing Wayne Munn who came off after 20 minutes last week and Michael Swift, who picked up a hamstring injury in stoppage time.
Down four of their six props last week, Adrian Clarke is now back to strengthen the front row. Warren O'Kelly remains injured with a broken finger; Peter Bracken is a long-time concern and Dan McFarland is still very doubtful.
Munster coach Alan Gaffney expects to finalise his side for their game against Glasgow in Hughenden after training in Limerick today. Jason Holland has again been ruled out of the side as he is still recovering from an ankle injury.
Denis Leamy (shoulder) and Conrad O'Sullivan (knee) both picked up knocks in the 33-26 defeat to Neath-Swansea Ospreys on Saturday but Gaffney is hopeful that the two will be in harness for the quarter-final.
Good news for Glasgow is that their three-times capped Scottish wing, Rory Kerr, has been named fit enough to play for the home side, having recovered from a shoulder injury.
Also in action this weekend are the Munster and Leinster under-21 sides, who face each other in the final game of the under-21 championship at Thomond Park on Friday evening (6.0).
Both sides are capable of winning the championship and despite Leinster running in 50-plus points against a hapless Ulster side last week, Munster are favourites to win. The Brian Hyland-coached Munster side, who are the defending champions, are five points clear of second-placed Leinster and also hold a 42-plus points advantage.
