Strauss, Moore, Kirchner return for Leinster

Leinster coach Matt O'Connor welcomes back a number of players ahead of tomorrow's Pro12 match against Zebre (3.0, Irish time).

Hooker Richardt Strauss will make his 95th appearance for Leinster. He played 40 minutes for Leinster A last weekend, after a five month playing sabbatical due to a serious hamstring injury.

He is included alongside fit again props Jack McGrath (calf) and Marty Moore (shoulder). In the secondrow, Mike McCarthy is partnered by Kane Douglas who makes his first start away from home for Leinster. Devin Toner drops to the bench.

The backrow boasts an average age of 22, with Rhys Ruddock the 'veteran' at 23 alongside Old Belvedere's Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier (UCD). The latter is making his competitive debut having started a pre-season friendly against the Northampton Saints.

Rob Kearney takes over the captaincy and is joined in the back three by a fit again, Zane Kirchner.

Isaac Boss and Ian Madigan start as the halfback partnership with Noel Reid returning to play his first game since suffering an ankle injury after 60 seconds of the opening Pro12 fixture away to the Glasgow Warriors. He partners Gordon D'Arcy in midfield with the latter wearing the number 13 jersey.

Jamie Heaslip cuts an experienced figure among the replacements, a group that includes the Byrne brothers, Tadhg Furlong and Luke McGrath.

Leinster: Rob Kearney (capt); Zane Kirchner, Gordon D'Arcy, Noel Reid, Darragh Fanning; Ian Madigan, Isaac Boss; Jack McGrath, Richardt Strauss, Marty Moore; Mike McCarthy, Kane Douglas; Rhys Ruddock; Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan. Replacements: Bryan Byrne, Ed Byrne, Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner, Jamie Heaslip, Luke McGrath, Jimmy Gopperth, Mick McGrath.