Youth the key for Leinster

by Michelle Fortune , 08 February 2012

Colm O'Shea will make his debut for Leinster in Thursday's RaboDirect PRO12 game against Benetton Treviso.


Due to the large number of players away on international duty, O'Shea will made his debut in the centre, partnering Brendan Macken in the midfield.

Joe Schmidt has mixed youth and experience for the visit of the Italian side with Isaac Boss linking up with Ian Madigan at half-back, while Fionn Carr, Darren Hudson and Isa Nacewa start in the back three.

Kevin McLaughlin has recovered from injury and been named in the back-row alongside Shane Jennings with Leo Auva'a joining the pair.

Heinke van der Merwe takes his place in the front row where he will be joined by Richardt Strauss and Nathan White.

XV v Treviso: I Nacewa; D Hudson, B Macken, C O'Shea, F Carr; I Madigan, I Boss; H VD Merwe, R Strauss, N White, S Browne, D Toner, K McLaughlin, S Jennings, L Auva'a.

Replacements: T Sexton, J McGrath, J Hagan, M Flanagan, J Murphy, J Cooney, N Reid, A Boyle.

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