News round-up: Paul O'Donohue may have to wait for his first involvement in the Celtic League with Leinster as Guy Easterby's swift return from injury should see him fit for tomorrow night's trip to the Ospreys.
Easterby, who was initially feared to have broken a leg in the victory over the Dragons earlier in the month, is expected to take his place on the bench, thus relegating the young scrum-half out of the match 22.
Chris Whitaker will start at scrum-half as Leinster strive to put distance between themselves and their title rivals while there is a question mark over Denis Hickie's availability. Luke Fitzgerald, named newcomer of the year at the Irish Rugby Union Players Association awards last night, is on standby to deputise on the left wing.
There are no changes in the pack with Bernard Jackman, still suffering the effects of a pinched nerve in his neck, having to settle for a place on the bench. The team will be finalised closer to kick-off at the Liberty Stadium.
The Ospreys, who know defeat will effectively end their title
hopes, have an number of injury concerns ahead of the match with
James Hook, Brent Cockbain, Ryan Jones, Alun Wyn Jones and
Mike Powell are set for late fitness tests.
""It is a difficult time as we approach the end of the
season, with players feeling a bit beaten up and carrying niggling
injuries, particularly following physical confrontations such as
the Scarlets," explained coach Lyn Jones. "It is hardly the best
time to face a Leinster side which is on form, at the top of the
table and aiming to secure the title."
Elsewhere, England's Chris White will take charge of Ireland's make-or-break World Cup clash against France at the Stade de France in September, it was announced today. To the relief of some Irish fans, Eddie O'Sullivan's side have avoided controversial Kiwi Steve Walsh, in the pool stages at least.
Ireland will have two referees in action at the finals with Alan Lewis and Alain Rolland officiating in at least two pool matches, while Simon McDowell will be on both touch judge and television match official duty. It may be recalled that McDowell was the TMO who awarded the last-gasp France try which clinched the Six Nations title this year.
One member of the elite referee panel not included in the 12 World Cup referees is Ireland's Donal Courtney, who has announced his retirement from international refereeing to concentrate on business interests.
"It is a blow to lose an official of Donal's considerable experience, but we fully understand his reasons to stand down," explained IRB referees manager, Paddy O'Brien. "He has been an excellent ambassador for the IRB and for international refereeing and I would like to thank him for his considerable contribution and wish him all the best for the future."
Leinster: Girvan Dempsey; Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Gordon D'Arcy, Denis Hickie / Luke Fitzgerald; Felipe Contepomi, Chris Whitaker; Reggie Corrigan, Brian Blaney, Will Green; Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O'Kelly; Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements: Stan Wright / Cian Healy, Bernard Jackman, Owen Finegan, Cameron Jowitt, Guy Easterby / Paul O'Donohoe, Christian Warner, Luke Fitzgerald / Kieran Lewis
Ospreys: Stefan Terblanche; Nikki Walker, Sonny Parker, Andrew Bishop, Shane Williams: Shaun Connor, Justin Marshall; Paul James (Capt), Huw Bennett, Adam Jones; Jonathan Thomas. Alun Wyn Jones; Ryan Jones, Richard Pugh, Filo Tiatia. Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Duncan Jones, Mike Powell, Lee Beach, Martin Roberts, James Hook/ AN Other, Lee Byrne
