Leinster are set to entertain Edinburgh Rugby following their tour of South Africa as the pair face off at the RDS Arena on Friday night. What’s at stake? Leo Cullen’s side had a mixed time in the Southern Hemisphere as they defeated the Southern Kings but were outclassed by the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein as they saw their perfect start come to an end. After a perfect opening two matches, Edinburgh have found it hard going in rounds three and four, letting a 14-point lead slip against Benetton before defending champions Scarlets brushed the Scottish outfit aside. Both sides will be desperate to return to winning ways and get their seasons back on track. Team news (Leinster): The Irish province welcome back four players who toured with the British & Irish Lions during the summer as well as four others who missed the Cheetahs match. Johnny Sexton returns and captains the side with Sean O’Brien also in the starting line-up. Luke McGrath starts at scrum half having recovered from an arm injury with Jack McGrath and Tadhg Furlong making their seasonal bows. Team news (Edinburgh): It was a disappointing night in Wales last time out and Richard Cockerill has opted to make nine changes to his starting line-up. Full-back Glenn Bryce returns as well as wing Dougie Fife and James Johnstone all come in. A new half-back partnership sees Jason Tovey make his first start of the season alongside Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, who replaces Nathan Fowles. Talking points: All eyes will be on the returning Lions with particular interest in Johnny Sexton, who captains the Leinster side. It could be a very special night for the 32-year-old who needs just nine points to become the all-time highest Leinster points scorer. Felipe Contepomi currently sits on top with 1,225 points with Sexton on 1,217. Key Battle: Sean O’Brien v Hamish Watson This should be an intriguing matchup between two expert ball carriers as Sean O’Brien returns for his first Guinness PRO14 start of the campaign. He will be up against Hamish Watson who has so far made 18 carries from his two league starts and will need to have a good game at the RDS Arena if Edinburgh are to come away with a win. Did you know? The last time Edinburgh prevailed in Dublin was November 2005 when they won 27-13 against the province. Key stat: Only two players made more metres than Joey Carbery in the Guinness PRO14 last week. The 21-year-old made 122 metres with Zebre’s Matteo Minozzi and Carl Meyer of the Dragons making more ground. Leinster: J Carbery, F McFadden, R O’Loughlin, N Reid, D Kearney, J Sexton, L McGrath, J McGrath, S Cronin, T Furlong, D Toner, S Fardy, R Ruddock, J Murphy, S O’Brien Replacements: B Byrne, E Byrne, A Porter, R Molony, M Deegan, J Gibson-Park, R Byrne, J Larmour Edinburgh: G Bryce; T Brown, J Johnstone, P Burleigh, D Fife; J Tovey, S Hidalgo-Clye; D Marfo, S McInally, S Berghan, F McKenzie, G Gilchrist, J Ritchie, H Watson, C du Preez Replacements: N Cochrane, M McCallum, K Bryce, A Bresler, J Hardie, N Fowles, B Kinghorn, R Fruean. TV: TG4, BBC Alba (KO 7.45 local) Match officials – Referee: Ian Davies (WRU), AR1: Adam Jones (WRU), AR2: Keiran Barry (IRFU), TMO: Jon Mason (WRU) Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
