Heineken Cup semi-final:South African prop CJ van der Linde has been included in Leinster squad to face Munster in the Heineken Cup semi-final at Croke Park on Saturday, but there is no place for fullback Rob Kearney, who has not yet recovered from the mumps. While preparations for Saturday are foremost in Leinster minds, the province is planning for the future and announced today the signing of Wasps scrumhalf Eoin Reddan.
Kearney has been one of Leinster’s form players this season and will be missed, though Van der Linde’s return from a succession of foot injuries will bolster the scrum ahead of the sternest possible test.
However, it remains to be seen how much of a contribution he will make. "CJ has been back in training today" said coach Michael Cheika this evening. "Tomorrow he'll undergo his full test as far as how capable he is of playing. But we'd be confident that he'll get past that and if he does then we'll have to see how he fits into the squad."
Cheika added: "Kearney's not going to make it. But even if he was to get himself out (on the field) he has had no training behind him for the last ten days so we wouldn't even consider it."
Gordon D’Arcy is included despite being withdrawn from the field early in the win over Glasgow Warriors at the weekend, while Simon Keogh and Trevor Hogan are also added to the squad having missed the Magners League game.
The coach admits Munster have been “pretty untouchable so far this year" but is counting on the collective belief of his side and supporters at the weekend.
"They have been quite commanding in the pool stages and are doing well in the league. And we understand that not many people expect us to beat them. But it's all about us believing in ourselves I suppose, and our supporters, and making sure we do our best on the day."
Reddan will join Leinster in the summer after agreeing a three-year deal. The move brings to an end Leinster’s long-running pursuit of the former Munster player that had already seen one attempt to bring him back to Ireland fail last year.
His success in London resulted in 14 caps for Ireland, though he was overlooked this year by Declan Kidney and missed out on the Grand Slam. Getting back into the international game has, therefore, proved the main motivation behind the move for Reddan.
His return to Ireland can only help his prospects of regaining a place in Kidney’s squad, while at 26, he brings the perfect blend of youth and experience to the Leinster set-up.
"It is tough for me leaving Wasps, I've thoroughly enjoyed my last four years and I can't overstate how great a club it is,” Reddan said today.
“The coaches have helped me personally and supported me over the last four years and I would like to thank them for all their help and support, particularly in my decision to go home to look to further my international career."
That desire to get back in the Ireland set-up means Cheika knows what he's getting with Reddan.
"Obviously it's a big asset for us to get someone of his experience who is also coming from the culture of a big club like Wasps," said the Australian. "I think, also, that the length of the deal that he signed for signified the intent of the player and we're very happy to have him on board for next season.
"I think that he'll provide leadership as well around the park. I think he's going to be a very big asset for us."
Since leaving Munster in 2005, Reddan enjoyed considerable success in England, having won the Powergen Cup, the Heineken Cup and the Guinness Premiership, while amassing 16 caps.
Leinster squad (v Munster)
Forwards: Cian Healy, Stan Wright, Ronan McCormack, CJ van der Linde, Bernard Jackman, John Fogarty, Devin Toner, Leo Cullen, Malcolm O'Kelly, Trevor Hogan, Sean O'Brien, Rocky Elsom, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip
Backs: Chris Whitaker, Simon Keogh, Chris Keane, Felipe Contepomi, Jonathan Sexton, Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Horgan, Isa Nacewa, Girvan Dempsey
Referee: Nigel Owens
