Brian O’Driscoll and Jamie Heaslip set for Leinster return

Former Australia wing Lote Tuqiri may also feature against Cardiff despite hamstring strain

Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor at a media briefing on Tuesday. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho
Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor at a media briefing on Tuesday. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho

Leinster hope to have Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Heaslip available to face Cardiff Blues in the RDS on Friday night (7.35pm).

The two were part of Joe Schmidt's Ireland two-day training squad in Carton House earlier this week and are now in line to feature for their province as Leinster look to get back on track after a 12-6 defeat in Glasgow and a home draw against the Ospreys followed an opening week win over the Scarlets.

Cian Healy and Rob Kearney, who both made their first appearances of the season last week are also expected to be available, as scrumhalf Isaac Boss, who could make his 80th Leinster appearance.

One man who won't be involved is flanker Shane Jennings, who fractured a bone in his right hand in the defeat to the Warriors at Scoutstoun.

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However, the province expects new recruit Lote Tuqiri to have recovered from his hamstring strain in time after he made “good progress” so far this week.

"Luke Fitzgerald and Quinn Roux have stepped up their rehabilitation in recent weeks and they could also come into the frame, while Darragh Fanning will also be available after withdrawing from the panel in Glasgow after picking up a minor knock in training," a Leinster statement added.

“Sean O’Brien is also making good progress and should return to action in the coming weeks.”

Leinster are fifth in the table, two points ahead of Cardiff who have lost two and won one of their opening three fixtures thus far.