Berquist set to make Leinster debut

FORMER Canterbury Crusaders outhalf Mat Berquist makes his Leinster debut when they host the Super 15 franchise, the Melbourne Rebels at Donnybrook (7pm), writes JOHN O'SULLIVAN.

He is partnered by one of the best young scrumhalf prospects in the country, John Cooney in a team that will be captained by Rhys Ruddock.

Fionn Carr and Jamie Hagan return to Leinster colours while there is plenty of young talent on display throughout the team and also on an extended bench. Among the replacements is South African signing Steven Sykes.

Ruddock forms part of a strong running backrow that contains Dominic Ryan and Old Belvedere’s number eight Leo Auva’a.

Munster coach Tony McGahan will be looking for a good performance from the composite side he’s selected – a mixture of youth and some older hands – for tonight’s game against London Wasps at the revamped Musgrave Park (7.0).

Hooker Mike Sherry impressed last season while there is a fresh look to the back five in the pack.

Ulster’s Brian McLaughlin has also elected to give youth its chance for his team’s pre-season friendly against Neath at the Gnoll (7.15). Eighteen-year-old academy players, fullback Peter Nelson and centre Christopher Farrell, along with 20-year-old Michael Allen, will make their first senior appearance for Ulster.

LEINSTER: I Madigan; D Hudson, B Macken, E Sheridan, F Carr; M Berquist, J Cooney; H van der Merwe, R Strauss, J Hagan, M Flanagan, D Toner, R Ruddock (capt), D Ryan, L Auva'a. Replacements: A Dundon, J McGrath, J O'Connell, S Sykes, D Gannon, C Willis, C O'Shea, A Conway, J Harris-Wright, C Ruddock, B Marshall, A Boyle.

MUNSTER: S Deasy; D Howlett, D Barnes, L Mafi, S Zebo; D Cusack, P Stringer; W du Preez, M Sherry, BJ Botha, B Holland, I Nagle, David O'Callaghan, P O'Mahony, P Butler. Replacements: D Fogarty, S Archer, M Horan, D Foley, T O'Donnell, J Coughlan, D Williams, T Gleeson, S Scanlon, JJ Hanrahan.

ULSTER: P Nelson; M Allen, C Farrell, L Marshall, C Gilroy; P Jackson, I Porter; P McAllister, J Burns, J Cronin, L Stevenson (capt), N McComb, M McComish, W Faloon, R Diack. Replacements: A Warwick, C Black, A Macklin, J Simpson, A Birch, B McIlroy, S Olding, C Gaston.