Isa Nacewa returns to Leinster team to face Wasps

Leo Cullen has made five changes to his Leinster side for their opening European Champions Cup match with Wasps in the RDS on Sunday.

Isa Nacewa returns to European competition for the first time in two years to captain the side from full back.

Zane Kirchner continues on the right wing with Dave Kearney coming in on the left to complete the back three.

Noel Reid and Fergus McFadden form a new look centre partnership. Reid has played in all of Leinster’s games so far this season and also started the corresponding fixture last season from 12, while McFadden also has experience of playing 13 against Wasps having played there in the 2013 Challenge Cup quarter-final.

In the half backs Eoin Reddan gets the nod to start at scrumhalf against his former club with whom he won a Heineken Cup in 2007 and an English Premiership title in 2008. Johnny Sexton makes his first RDS start since returning from Racing 92 at outhalf.

Only Mike Ross is retained in the front row at tight head having scored only his second try for Leinster in last week’s win over the Scarlets. His only previous try came against Wasps in that 2013 quarter-final in Adams Park.Jack McGrath and Richardt Strauss complete the front row at loose head and hooker. McGrath wins his 80th Leinster cap on Sunday.

Devin Toner and Mike McCarthy form an experienced second row. In the back row Jordi Murphy and Sean O’Brien are selected at blindside and openside flanker, while Jamie Heaslip will make his 75th Champions Cup appearance when he lines out at the base of the scrum.

On the bench Garry Ringrose is in line to make his first ever European appearance.

LEINSTER: Isa Nacewa, Zane Kirchner, Fergus McFadden, Noel Reid, Dave Kearney, Johnny Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Jack McGrath, Richardt Strauss, Mike RosS, Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy, Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, Hayden Triggs, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Ian Madigan, Garry Ringrose.