Rugby:Illness has denied Cian Healy a place in the Leinster starting line-up for tomorrow evening's Magners League final against the Ospreys. CJ van der Linde, in what is likely to be his last game for the province, will start instead of the Ireland international.
Outgoing coach Michael Cheika could yet name Healy on the bench and will make a decision closer to kick-off at the RDS (6.30pm) with Mike Ross ready to deputise.
With Leo Cullen still out injured, Malcolm O’Kelly will bring the curtain down on an illustrious career after being named alongside Nathan Hines in the second row. Shane Jenning’s has been handed the captaincy in Cullen’s absence.
Girvan Demspey, who is also due to retire after tomorrow’s match, must settle for a place on the bench as Cheika sticks with his strongest backline.
Cheika, who leaves to take up a role with Stade Francais this summer, is determined to collect one last piece of silverware before he moves on.
“This is what all the teams in the league have played for,” said the Australian. “We've very realistic about how difficult the match is going to be. We're looking forward to it but we know we're going to have to be at our absolute best from a team's perspective to win it.
“That's what the team's worked for all year and that's what our supporters have followed us for - we just want to make sure we represent our province well.
“It is my last game with Leinster and we've obviously known that from a long way out. But there hasn't been much sentimentality, to be honest. It's been about getting ready for what is the biggest game of the season for us. There's an opportunity for us to put another building block in place and we've got to make sure we take it.
“The Ospreys are the most dangerous team in the competition. You have just got to look at the speed they’ve got — which is one of the most dangerous facets in any team’s game — with guys of the calibre of (Tommy) Bowe and (Shane) Williams out wide.
“I really think that they will target us in the tight-five, and I think that our tight-five are very well focused on what will be the biggest battle for us of the season. It’s all all or nothing. Whoever wants it more will win.”
Cheika’s sentiments were echoed by Ospreys’ coach, Sean Holley, who believes his side has little to fear after wins in Ulster and Munster already this campaign.
“We're lucky in that we have a clean bill of health,” said Holley. “The extra week has obviously helped. This is the squad that have taken us through the past month or so in some good form and we come here in good shape.
“We hope it's a team to win tomorrow, otherwise we've picked the wrong team.”
“They've been playing well and they deserve their chance again. We're well prepared but anything can happen in a final.
“Leinster have that winning mentality, they have quality across the pitch and have shown in recent seasons exactly what they are capable of,” he added.
“They’ve got all round class and ability, we know that. But, our preparation hasn’t been all about what they can offer, we’ve been working hard to make sure our own house is in order and I’m sure they’ve done the same.”
Leinster captain Shane Jennings is all too aware of the winner takes all stakes. “It's a cup final so I can see it being very, very tight,” he said.
“Every time we play them it's always a very tough game, whether it's over in Wales or here in Dublin. Over the years, it's always been very close and we're expecting the same this weekend.
“It's a final so there is a bit of added pressure...both teams won't want to make mistakes.
Leinster: Rob Kearney; Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Isa Nacewa; Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Stan Wright, John Fogarty, CJ van der Linde; Nathan Hines, Malcolm O'Kelly; Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy / Mike Ross, Trevor Hogan, Stephen Keogh, Paul O'Donohoe, Fergus McFadden, Girvan Dempsey.
Ospreys: Lee Byrne; Tommy Bowe, Andrew Bishop, James Hook, Shane Williams; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones; Alun Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Jerry Collins, Marty Holah, Ryan Jones.
Replacements: Ed Shervington, Ryan Bevington, Ian Gough, Filo Tiatia, Jamie Nutbrown, Gareth Owen, Nikki Walker