McQuilkin calls for Leinster focus

Leinster defence coach Kurt McQuilkin has called on the province's emerging stars to continue where they left off against Cardiff…

Leinster defence coach Kurt McQuilkin has called on the province's emerging stars to continue where they left off against Cardiff last week when they face Glasgow in Thursday’s Magners League clash at the RDS (7.30pm).

The European champions have coped admirably without their frontline international players since the start of the Six Nations, with a win over the Scarlets last month and a nine-point victory in Cardiff on the Sunday before last.

A home tie against the ever-improving Warriors is up next and McQuilkin says the team needs to keep the momentum going this week.

"It's critical that we maintain our form in the Magners League and players keep on staking their claims for selection,” he said today. “Glasgow have really improved over the last few seasons and they are always difficult opponents to face.

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He added: "We need to be physical in the confrontations and also clinical in how we execute our opportunities and discipline will be critical. We're coming out of a long winter and we're involved in both competitions, which is good, but what has gone before and what's to come is irrelevant.

McQuilkin singled out Eoin O’Malley and Fergus McFadden for particular praise, with the latter having scored 21 points of the 29 against Cardiff.

"To have players like Eoin O'Malley and Fergus McFadden taking their chances is pleasing and there are others, like Stephen Keogh in the pack who have really impressed in our recent wins over the Scarlets and Cardiff.

"We have some huge tests coming up, but we won't allow our focus to drift too far ahead of ourselves. It's all about the here and now and it was that approach last year that enabled us to win the Heineken Cup.”

The pair are joined by fellow Academy graduates Paul Ryan and Eoin Sheriff after their recent form in the British & Irish Cup.

There is, however, plenty of experience in the squad to face the Warrriors, with Isa Nacewa, CJ van der Linde and Ireland internationals Girvan Dempsey, Trevor Hogan, Shane Horgan, Bernard Jackman, Kevin McLaughlin, Malcolm O'Kelly and Mike Ross all included.

Jackman will captain the side.

NewportGwent Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner has announced a 25-man squad to face Connacht at the Sportsground on Wednesday (6:30pm)

He must cope without Lewis Evans and Adam Jones.

The latter will undergo surgery for a ruptured tendon in his hand next week, while Evans has been pulled out with a suspected broken thumb.

Connacht are expected to reveal their squad later this afternoon.

Leinster squad (v Glasgow Warriors)

Forwards: John Fogarty, Trevor Hogan, Bernard Jackman, Stephen Keogh, Ronan McCormack, Kevin McLaughlin, Malcolm O'Kelly, Mike Ross, Paul Ryan, Eoin Sheriff, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, CJ van der Linde, Stan Wright

Backs: Shaun Berne, Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Chris Keane, David Kearney, Simon Keogh, Ian Madigan, Fergus McFadden, Isa Nacewa, Paul O'Donohoe, Eoin O'Malley

Dragons squad (v Connacht)

Forwards: Ben Castle, Hugh Gustafson, Pat Palmer, Aaron Coundley, Tom Willis (capt.), Steve jones, Adam Brown , Rob Sidoli, Hoani Macdonald, Andrew Coombs, Grant Webb, Toby Faletau, Gavin Thomas.

Backs: Martyn Thomas, Richard Fussell, Will Harries, Aled Brew, Tom Riley, Mathew Watkins, Ashley Smith, Jason Tovey, James Arlidge, James Leadbeater, Wayne Evans.