Cheika's front row concerns ease

Leinster coach Michael Cheika's front row worries have eased with the news that prop Stephen Knoop has recovered from illness and is fit to be named among the replacements for their opening game of the Magners League against Cardiff Blues in the Arms Park tomorrow.

The defending champions were already having to cope without the injured Stan Wright and suspended CJ Van Der Linde, so news of Knoop's recovery will be more than welcome.

On the pitch the team is the same as that which beat the Queensland Reds with such conviction last weekend.

Isa Nacewa is retained at fullback and will make his competitive debut for the province in backline full of talent, including a central combination of Brian O'Driscoll and Felipe Contepomi, and Shane Horgan and Rob Kearney on the wing.

Captain and scrumhalf Chris Whitaker partners Jonathan Sexton, while the starting frontrow consists of props Cian Healy and Ronan McCormack and hooker Bernard Jackman.

Whitaker, who stands in for newly installed captain Leo Cullen as he recovers from shoulder surgery, believes it is the strongest and closest Leinster panel since he arrived at the province  in 2006.

"Pre season has gone quite well and the squad are in good shape coming into Saturday's game. We got away for a week to Italy which was important because as well as the squad being fitter and stronger, I think off the field we're a lot tighter as a unit," said the Australian.

"There's no doubting that the Cardiff game will be a big test. They have a good strong forward pack who are very physical, but they also have a lot of very fast and mobile backs that like to take the ball on.

"We can't afford to ease into the game because there will be a massive increase in terms of intensity from our three warm-up games.

"At this time of year, and with places up for grabs, there's naturally a bit of nervousness in the squad. But that's a good thing because it means that everyone is focused on getting one of the starting 15 shirts.

"There's more depth in all positions this year and I believe that we're going into this new season with the strongest panel we've had since I arrived."

Whitaker isn't dwelling on his new role and argues that it means less and less these days because of the professionalism of all the players.

"It is a big honour to lead the team in Leo's (Cullen) absence, but being captain doesn't change how I play or how I approach the game. With so many leaders in our squad everyone takes on their own individual responsibility during games, so the emphasis on the role of the captain has diminished over the years."

Veteran Malcolm O'Kelly is joined in the second row by Devin Toner and the back row consists of Cameron Jowitt, Shane Jennings and number eight Jamie Heaslip.

There are two potential debutants among the bench in the shape of flanker Sean O'Brien and former Ireland 'A' captain John Fogarty.

Outhalf Nicky Robinson will become the second Cardiff player to reach 100 games tomorrow.

"It's a nice milestone to reach. I've played at the Arms Park my whole career with Cardiff RFC and the Cardiff Blues so it's good to get my 100th game at home. I was hoping to reach the target last season but unfortunately I got injured," said Robinson.

"I'd say the game that I have the best memories of and enjoyed the most was the game against Leinster at the Millennium Stadium a few seasons ago. It was a great game to be part of with a big crowd and fantastic atmosphere and we played some rugby. We've also had some good matches against the Welsh teams especially the Ospreys."

Jamie Roberts starts at 12 and Richard Mustoe makes his competitive debut on the right wing.

Though there are concerns over the weather, the match is not thought to be in doubt. Cardiff have, however, insisted the final decision is up to the referee.

Leinster: Isa Nacewa; Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll, Felipe Contepomi, Rob Kearney; Jonathan Sexton, Chris Whitaker (c); Cian Healy, Bernard Jackman, Ronan McCormack; Devin Toner, Malcolm O'Kelly; Cameron Jowitt, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements: John Fogarty, Stephen Knoop, Trevor Hogan, Sean O'Brien, Chris Keane, Luke Fitzgerald, Girvan Dempsey.

Cardiff: Ben Blair; Richard Mustoe, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Chris Czekaj; Nicky Robinson Jason Spice; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Taufa'ao Filise; Bradley Davies, Paul Tito (c); Mamma Molitika, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams. Replacements: Gary Powell, T. Rhys Thomas, Scott Morgan, Ben White, Darren Allinson, Ceri Sweeney, Jamie Robinson