Friday, 14 September 2012
Edinburgh v Zebre, 13:30
Ospreys v Glasgow, 13:05
Ulster v Munster, 13:05
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Connacht v Scarlets, 09:00
Newport-Gwent D'gons v Cardiff Blues, 12:30
Treviso v Leinster, 12:05
Ulster 4/7 fav vs Munster
This from Planet rugby
Coach Rob Penney has made three alterations to the Munster pack ahead of Friday's PRO12 clash with Ulster at Ravenhill.
In the front-row, Dave Kilcoyrne and BJ Botha, who will face his
former side, come into the starting XV in place of Wian du Preez and
Stephen Archer respectively.
Donncha O'Callaghan joins Billy Holland in the second-row while there are no changes to the back-row.
Irish internationals Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara and Keith Earls are amongst the replacements as they return to club duty.
Niall Ronan returns to competitive action with the Munster A team that take on the Ulster Ravens side on Friday, eight months after rupturing a cruciate knee ligament.
New boy Casey Laulala is relishing Munster's first all-Ireland clash of the season.
"Ulster are a very good side," he said.
"The crowd is a big factor especially up there and they have been a big factor in their success over the last few years.
"We're aware of that. We're preparing for a big match and I think it'll be the first really big test for us as well in terms of what we want to do."
Meanwhile, Ulster coach Mark Anscombe has made seven changes to his starting line-up.
Stephen Ferris has been named at blindside flanker and will earn his 100th cap for the Province.
Elsewhere in the pack, Tom Court, John Afoa and Nigel Brady will start in an all new front-row, replacing Callum Black, Declan Fitzpatrick and Rob Herring respectively.
In the backs, Andrew Trimble has been promoted to a starting berth on the right wing, replacing Craig Gilroy.
Paul Marshall and Paddy Jackson, who were also on the bench last week, will combine at half-back in place of Michael Heaney and Niall O'Connor.
Ireland internationals Chris Henry and Dan Tuohy have not been included in the match day squad despite being named in the extended squad on Tuesday.
Anscombe revealed that the duo will instead get a run out for Ulster Ravens against Munster A earlier in the afternoon.
"It's important for us to get them some game time so the Ravens is a good start," he said.
"Chris has only been training with the team for two weeks and has had very little contact. He hasn't played a lot of rugby since the Heineken Cup Final.
He went to New Zealand (on Ireland's summer Tour) but only got a few minutes.
"It's a long season and the guys in their positions have been doing a good job so it's a balance of getting them back up to speed and rewarding the players who have been doing the job for us."
The New Zealander again stressed that players showing good form will be picked, and used Brady's selection at hooker as an example.
"Rob Herring has done well, he's a young guy learning his trade at hooker and we're happy with the way he's progressing but Nigel came on last week and his experience came through," explained Anscombe.
"His scrummaging was outstanding and he contributed around the park and that's what we want.
"It's a matter of keeping everyone accountable for their performance and Nigel took his chance last week and has been rewarded."
Anscombe was full of praise for the travelling Munster side.
"It's our first derby of the season and there's a lot of history between the two teams so it should be a great occasion," he said.
"They will be the best team we've played against so far this year and their history shows what they're capable of doing.
"There's no prouder union in the competition than Munster and there's never going to be an easy game against them so we need to perform to our capabilities to come away with a win.
"I'm really hoping that we get a big home crowd out to support us and I really want us to get a victory."
Form: Ulster have made the perfect start to the RaboDirect PRO12 campaign with back to back wins over Glasgow Warriors and Ospreys. The Ulstermen's only reversal at Ravenhill since last September was 8-16 to Leinster on 20 April. Ulster have lost their last four encounters with fellow Irish provinces. Munster have, for the third season running, also started with successive RaboDirect PRO12 victories, against Edinburgh and Treviso. Ulster have won just one of their last four fixtures with the Munstermen in this tournament, but did knock their rivals out of the European Cup at the quarter-finals stage in April. Munster's solo victory at Ravenhill since 2007 was 16-6 on 29 October 2010.
The teams:
Ulster: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Luke Marshall, 11 Michael Allen, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Paul Marshall, 8 Nick Williams, 7 Sean Doyle, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Lewis Stevenson, 4 Johann Muller (capt), 3 John Afoa, 2 Nigel Brady, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Callum Black, 18 Declan Fitzpatrick, 19 Neil McComb, 20 Mike McComish, 21 Michael Heaney, 22 Peter Nelson, 23 Craig Gilroy.
Munster: 15 Denis Hurley, 14 Doug Howlett (capt), 13 Casey Laulala, 12 James Downey, 11 Luke O'Dea, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Duncan Williams, 8 James Coughlan, 7 Sean Dougall, 6 Dave O'Callaghan, 5 Billy Holland, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 BJ Botha, 2 Damien Varley, 1 Dave Kilcoyne.
Replacements: 16 Mike Sherry, 17 Marcus Horan, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Dave Foley, 20 Tommy O'Donnell, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Ronan O'Gara, 23 Keith Earl
Pete says Ulster by 3. They have more of their main team back, and, as mentioned, Munster haven't won here since 2007.
Game over. Ulster lucky to win 20-19 IMO. Munster were faster and in numbers at every breakdown .
So my +3 not too shabby
Ospreys 4/11 fav vs Glasgow
Left wing Tom Grabham will make his first
competitive start for the Ospreys in Friday's PRO12 clash with Glasgow
at Liberty Stadium.
Like the reigning tournament champions, the Warriors are still on
the trail of their first victory of the new campaign, having been
narrowly edged out by Ulster in Belfast a fortnight ago, and by Scarlets
at Scotstoun Stadium last Friday.
Ospresy Head Coach Steve Tandy said on win on Friday was vital for the home side.
"This is an important game for us, against a very good, very powerful and very dangerous Glasgow team. Like us they'll be disappointed at the start they've had, but we know they are a real threat," said Tandy.
"They were in the PRO12 semis last season, as they were two years ago, and just as we haven't become a bad team on the back of two defeats neither have they.
"We are well aware that we need to improve from where we've been over the last two weeks but we also know where we are in terms of a long season and the need to balance things out for the squad and take a look at everybody. We've been able to change things about to give some more boys a chance, but we've selected a team good enough to do the job, just as was the case in the last two games.
"Obviously we've been hugely disappointed by how things have gone but the finger isn't hovering over the panic button. We've reviewed Saturday's game and what went right and wrong on the night. We aren't that far away from where we want to be, but in reality we need big improvements in application, discipline and accuracy if we are going to turn possession and chances into wins. We need to get back to what we were doing at the end of last season, playing mature, intelligentrugby that allowed us to go through the phases and really make it count."
Meanwhile Glasgow Warriors will strive to pull together the positive elements of their first two games and produce a more compelling all-round package at the Liberty Stadium.
Glasgow significantly improved their discipline and set piece between the two games, but struggled to establish attacking momentum against Scarlets due to a high number of turnovers.
Gregor Townsend and his troops are well aware that all the pieces of the jigsaw will need to be in place if they are to deliver a repeat of the 26-20 success enjoyed on the club's last visit to Swansea back in March.
"We're clearly disappointed to have lost our opening two matches, and there's a determination about the whole group to achieve a win this weekend," the head coach told glasgowwarriors.org
"To do that away from home against a quality outfit like Ospreys, we know our performance will need to be spot on in all the key areas. In both the Ulster and Scarlets matches, we've done certain things very well, but haven't been as accurate as we know we can be in other facets of the game.
"As well as ensuring we don't turn the ball over as often this week, we'll need to ensure our physicality is right up there.
"Ospreys have one of the most aggressive defensive lines in the competition, and they bring the same principles to the breakdown.
"We know our players are more than capable of matching that sort of relentlessness, and we're heading to Swansea with confidence."
There are six changes to the starting XV that ran out against the Scarlets.
With Pat MacArthur nursing a fractured foot and Moray Low a calf complaint, Dougie Hall starts at hooker and Mike Cusack at tight-head prop. In the back-row, John Barclay moves to blinside flanker with Chris Fusaro coming in at openside.
The backline switches see Duncan Weir replace Ruaridh Jackson at stand-off, Tommy Semour get the nod over Sean Lamont on the right wing, and Peter Horne (pictured) start at inside centre.
Townsend explained: "As a coaching group, we strongly believe this team has the necessary attributes to win Friday's game.
"We're sending out an experienced pack, and are happy with the balance of the combinations in there.
"John Barclay has played the majority of his rugby at openside, but he has significant, and recent, experience in the other back-row positions and we've every confidence he will bring his class to bear.
"Peter Horne has made an excellent case for selection with his form and appetite in training since the very start of pre-season, and we're looking forward to seeing what he and Alex Dunbar produce as a pairing.
"Tommy Seymour is another player who has consistently put his hand up over the last few months, and we're delighted to have a good number of strong options in the back three.
"As ever, the bench will have a big role to play in what is sure to be another intense contest. We have quality, experience and game-changing ability in there - all vital ingredients.
"We know this is going to be another very challenging match, but as a group, we're primed to deliver the result that we and our supporters all want."
Form: Ospreys have begun the defence of their RaboDirect PRO12 title with a pair of defeats, the only other reigning champion to have equalled this was the Ospreys themselves in 2007, when they lost the first three games of their defence. The Welshmen have lost at home to a Scottish side just once since 2009: 26-20 to today's visitors, Glasgow Warriors, on 2 March 2012. Glasgow Warriors have also begun the season with back to back losses to Ulster and Scarlets, but were at least victorious on their most recent visit to Wales. The Warriors have lost just one of their last nine matches against the Welsh regions. Glasgow achieved the double over Ospreys for the first time last season including a first ever victory on Ospreys home turf.
The teams:
Ospreys: 15 Richard Fussell, 14 Hanno Dirksen, 13 Jonathan Spratt, 12 Ashley Beck, 11 Tom Grabham, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Joe Bearman, 7 Justin Tipuric (c), 6 George Stowers, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Ian Gough, 3 Aaron Jarvis, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Duncan Jones.
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Joe Rees, 19 Alun Wyn Jones, 20 Sam Lewis, 21 Kahn Fotuali'i, 22 Matthew Morgan, 23 Andrew Bishop.
Glasgow Warriors:15 Peter Murchie, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Peter Horne, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Chris Cusiter, 8 Ryan Wilson, 7 Chris Fusaro, 6 John Barclay, 5 Al Kellock (c)), 4 Tom Ryder, 3 Mike Cusack, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Ryan Grant.
Replacements: 16 Finlay Gillies, 17 George Hunter 18 Gordon Reid, 19 James Eddie, 20 Angus Macdonald, 21 Henry Pyrgos, 22 Ruaridh Jackson, 23 Sean Lamont.
Petes prediction. Ospreys by 10. Both teams have started badly and Ospreys seem to be experimenting still, but good reserves are on the bench to rescue them if necessary.
Yep Ospreys were crap again. Losing 10-28. Couldn't watch this one as no one was rebroadcasting on internet.
Edinburgh 1/16 fav vs Zebre
Former Waratahs playmaker Daniel Halangahu will make his debut for Zebre in Friday's PRO12 clash with Edinburgh at Murrayfield.
Director of Rugby Christian Gajan has made several changes to the starting XV that lost to Connacht last week.
Centre Matteo Pratichetti wins his first ever cap in a Zebre shirt alongside Australian utility back Halangahu in an all-new midfield.
Alberto Chiesa is handed the fly-half role ahead of Luciano Orquera while another Italian international Tito Tebaldi features at scrum-half.
On the bench, full-back Paolo Buso and young hooker Andrea Manici are also set for debuts.
Italian international lock Quintin Geldenhuys will be Zebre's skipper for the game in the place of the injured Gonzalo Garcia.
Veteran international second-rower Marco Bortolami is also on the injury list.
"This week we worked a lot on the effectiveness of our game: in this is what we're missing,"said Gajan.
"In the first two games we lost too many balls that we had cleverly obtained. For this game we decided to select players who have played less, in order to grow our youngsters"
Backs coach Alessandro Troncon said this week's challenge is more difficult than last Friday.
"Edinburgh has reached the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup last season, while Italian teams never made it even to the quarters," said Troncon.
"It will therefore be tough and we need all the enthusiasm possible. But I am happy with what I saw in Parma against Connacht".
Meanwhile, Edinburgh have made five changes to the side that started against Cardiff Blues, as inside-centre Matt Scott returns for his first match of the new campaign.
In an astonishing 2011/12 season, Scott went from first year professional to Scotland regular, getting his first taste of the international arena in the 2012 Six Nations, and starting every match of the Scotland's three-Test June triumph in Australasia.
Having completed a near 12-month spell of competitive action, the strength, skills and conditioning teams at Murrayfield have taken extra time to work with the 21-year-old to ensure he has had the benefit of rest, recovery and a full pre-season, before his refreshed return to action this Friday.
The remaining changes come in the pack, with props John Yapp and Willem Nel trading places with Allan Jacobsen and Geoff Cross, who start on the bench, while Scotland and Fiji back-rows Ross Rennie and Netani Talei replace Roddy Grant and the injured David Denton (thigh).
Also returning to the squad is Tom Brown, who continues his comeback from a hamstring strain as replacement.
Form: Edinburgh have won two of their last three games in the RaboDirect PRO12, however the Scotsmen lost their most recent game at Murrayfield to Munster. Edinburgh have won their last three encounters with Italian opponents and have never been defeated at home by a visiting team from Italy. Zebre, the RaboDirect PRO12's newest team, are trying to find their feet in the competition and have so far slipped to a pair of defeats at the hands of Newport Gwent Dragons and Connacht. The two teams have never met before.
The teams:
Edinburgh: 15 Greig Tonks, 14 Lee Jones, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Matt Scott, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Greig Laidlaw (capt), 9 Richie Rees, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Ross Rennie, 6 Stuart McInally, 5 Sean Cox, 4 Grant Gilchrist, 3 Willem Nel, 2 Ross Ford, 1 John Yapp.
Replacements: 16 Andy Titterrell, 17 Allan Jacobsen, 18 Geoff Cross, 19 Perry Parker, 20 Dimitri Basilaia, 21 Chris Leck, 22 John Houston, 23 Tom Brown.
Zebre: 15 Sinoti Sinoti, 14 Giovanbattista Venditti, 13 Matteo Pratichetti, 12 Daniel Halangahu, 11 Ruggero Trevisan, 10 Alberto Chiesa, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Andries van Schalkwyk, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Emiliano Caffini, 5 Josh Sole, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Luciano Leibson, 2 Carlo Festuccia, 1 Andrea De Marchi.
Replacements: 16 Andrea Manici, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Luca Redolfini, 19 Filippo Cazzola, 20 Filippo Ferrarini, 21 Alberto Chillon, 22 Paolo Buso, 23 Alberto Benettin.
Date: Friday, September 14
Venue: Murrayfield
Kick-off: 19.30 BST (18.30 GMT
petes prediction
This will be a massacre. Scots by 25...maybe more. I think I will go for 30 on Superbru.
A massacre it was 31-10 to Edinburgh. So my +30 was not too shabby for government work.
Dragons 4/6 fav v Cardiff Blues 11/10
Cardiff Blues have made four changes to
their side to face the Dragons, with full-back Thomas Williams making
his first RaboDirect PRO12 start.
Williams comes in for the injured Leigh Halfpenny while Harry Robinson replaces wing Tom James.
There is a new half-back combination with Rhys Patchell at fly-half, making his PRO12 debut partnering with Lloyd Williams. The Blues also welcome back Jamie Roberts to the matchday 23, with the big Lions centre having worked hard to recover from his knee injury.
There are two changes up front with Marc Breeze starting at hooker and Nathan Trevett at prop in place of Rhys Williams and Benoit Bourrust.
"We have had a good couple of days preparation making sure we continue to improve in all areas of the game," said director of rugby, Phil Davies.
"We are trying to remain objective across the board and if we have learnt anything from last Friday it would be that we have to be more clinical when we get the line breaks and we have to finish off our scoring opportunities.
"Rodney Parade is a great place to go and play. It has retained its atmosphere from years ago.
"I am sure it will be good, we will have a lot of shouting and excitement down there and we are looking forward to it.
"The Dragons had a great win against the Zebres and then they went to Leinster, where even though they were defeated they played some good rugby.
"Any team that has Lydiate and Faletau playing for them, are going to be a threat.
"They are a good side all round, they have a strong front five and good half backs, they have some good pace on the wing, they are a well balanced team. They are going to be tough components for us."
Meanwhile, Dragons back-row Dan Lydiate has successfully passed all fitness tests.
The international blindside will help the Dragons welcome the Blues to Rodney Parade for their second home game for the PRO12. He says that even though it was an unfortunate loss last week away from home, the Dragons are ready to take on the Blues.
"It was a disappointing result by the boys from the Leinster game although it was good to see the boys scoring tries against the Leinster side. We are looking for a lot better effort in defence when we play the Blues at home, it's always going to be a tough game but it's also an exciting game because it's a derby match. I am really looking forward to it," he said.
"It's a massive challenge for us to be playing against the Blues, we will be playing against my teammates who play for Wales, which should be an exciting game and with it being a derby match they are usually quite eventful. So hopefully a lot of our fans will turn up and support us for what could be a really good game of rugby."
Lydiate stressed that he is ready to play the Blues and is looking forward to playing against many internationals he has played whilst being picked for the Welsh side. He also mentioned that the team has benefitted from watching the Leinster match and have prepared themselves for the battle between the two teams.
"Training has been going really well this week so I am positive that we will do well, and we have improved after last week's performance," he said.
"A lot of internationals will be playing for the Blues in this game so it will be a massive challenge for us as a team, but it's one of those things where you want to play against a good team in order to better your team. We are here at home and I am sure the Blues will be as up for the game as we are.
"There's no one in particular that I am looking forward to playing against just looking forward to getting back on the pitch, this should be a really good test."
Form: Dragons suffered a reversal of fortunes after their round one victory with a 25-45 defeat in Leinster. Dragons have won just one of their last six RaboDirect PRO12 fixtures, however the Men from Gwent have won five of their last six matches against fellow Welsh regions at Rodney Parade. Cardiff Blues tripped up at home to Edinburgh on Friday, but at least did win their most recent away game: 13-9 in Connacht in round one. The Blues have won just one of their last eleven games against fellow Welsh sides: 28-9 at home to the Dragons on 23 December 2011. The last four clashes between the two teams have all been won by the home side on the day, whilst the Blues have not won at Rodney Parade since 23 April 2010.
The teams:
Dragons: 15 Dan Evans, 14 Will Harries, 13 Pat Leach, 12 Andy Tuilagi, 11 Tom Prydie, 10 Steffan Jones, 9 Jonathan Evans. 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Lewis Evans (capt), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Adam Jones, 4 Ian Nimmo, 3 Dan Way, 2 Steve Jones, 1 Phil Price.
Replacements: 16 Hugh Gustafson, 17 Aaron Coundley, 18 Nathan Buck, 19 Jevon Groves, 20 Tom Brown, 21 Liam Davies, 22 Ashley Smith, 23 Adam Hughes.
Cardiff Blues: 15 Thomas Williams, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Gavin Evans, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Harry Robinson, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Andries Pretorius (c), 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Josh Navidi, 5 James Down, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 2 Marc Breeze, 1 Nathan Trevett.
Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Benoit Bourrust, 19 Lou Reed, 20 Rory Watts-Jones, 21 Lewis Jones, 22 Ceri Sweeney, 23 Jamie Roberts.
Pete predicts a tough one here.
Cardiff are still experimenting and whilst I have had misgivings about the way the Dragons play, I think they can take this at home. Will they pass the ball out to Tuilagi and Prydie....who knows. They have good loose forwards so I think Dragons by 3 as they never seem to score alot even when they have the better side.
Connacht v Scarlets, Sportsground, Saturday 15:00
The Llanelli based region top the Pro12 after two matches and deservedly so. Connacht on the other hand will be eager to get their first home win of the season under their belts.
Eric Elwood makes six changes to the side that won in Parma last week, including an entirely new back row of Browne, Falloon and McKeon. The two Mikes of Swift & McCarthy will bring the steel to the second row while Nathan White will be counted on the hold up the scrum at tight-head.
In the backs Dave McSharry impressed at 12 last season and returns to start with Mika Nikora continuing his outhalf duties. Tiernan O’Halloran will be hoping for more scoring chances after his impressive try to open his side’s scoring last Friday.
Simon Easterby seems to expect an 80-minute scrap in the forwards in Galway given the quality he has on his Scarlet bench with the likes of Ken Owens, Deacon Manu and club captain Rob McCusker. He could well be right, and with Priestland, Davies, North and Scott Williams as attacking options. I can see it being a long afternoon for the home faithful, with the visitors extending their unbeaten start with a win by at least ten point
Connacht: 15 Gavin Duffy (c), 14 Tiernan O'Halloran, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12 Dave McSharry, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Miah Nikora, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Eoin McKeon, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 Andrew Browne, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Nathan White, 2 Ethienne Reynecke, 1 Brett Wilkinson.
Replacements: 16 Adrian Flavin, 17 Dennis Buckley, 18 Rodney Ah You, 19 David Gannon, 20 Johnny O'Connor, 21 Dave Moore, 22 Matthew Jarvis, 23 Robbie Henshaw.
Scarlets: 15 Jordan Williams, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies (c), 12 Scott Williams, 11 Nick Reynolds 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Kieran Murphy. 7 Johnathan Edwards, 6 Josh Turnbull, 5 Richard Kelly, 4 Sione Timani, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Phil John.
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Peter Edwards, 18 Deacon Manu, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Rob McCusker, 21 Aled Davies, 22 Aled Thomas, 23 Gareth Maule.
Pete says
Scarlets by 10
Treviso v Leinster, Stadio di Monigo, Saturday 18:05
Joe Schmidt certainly won’t need to be told how tricky the trip to Treviso can be. Not only did his side go down there on his first visit at the same stage of his first season in charge, but also they managed to overturn the champion Ospreys in their opening fixture a fortnight ago.
This time around he has the luxury of introducing a host of international stars to his starting lineup compared to that which slayed the Dragons last weekend. Back into action come Reddan, Heaslip, Ross, O’Driscoll with Ian Madigan moving to 15 to accommodate Jonathan Sexton at out-half, and Fergus McFadden appearing at the key 12 position where I’m hoping he’ll get a decent run of starts.
And best wishes to Devin Toner who is also earning his 100th provincial cap this weekend, he may have a few less international appearances than Ferris, but surely there are more to come for him.
There’s to be quality on the bench as well with Healy, Cullen and Nacewa but Schmidt has also shown some faith in the young crop that have appeared so far this season with Conway starting on the wing and Hagan, Cooney and Reid in reserve.
All in all it seems to be a Leinster team that won’t settle for a losing bonus point in Treviso, who themselves have a host of internationals to choose from but strangely have left Burton on the bench yet again despite his place-kicks leading them to victory on opening day. I reckon the visitors’ quality will be enough on the day and they should prevail by in or around a converted try.
Treviso: 15 Luke McLean, 14 Edoardo Gori, 13 Tommaso Benvenuti, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Ludovico Nitoglia, 10 Alberto Di Bernardo, 9 Tobias Botes, 8 Robert Barbieri, 7 Alessandro Zanni, 6 Simone Favaro, 5 Corniel Van Zyl (c), 4 Francesco Minto, 3 Ignacio Fernandez-Rouyet, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Alberto De Marchi.
Replacements: 16 Franco Sbaraglini, 17 Michele Rizzo, 18 Lorenzo Cittadini, 19 Valerio Bernabò, 20 Dean Budd, 21 Marco Filippucci, 22 Fabio Semenzato, 23 Kristopher Burton.
Leinster: 15 Ian Madigan, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Fergus McFadden, 11 Fionn Carr, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip (c), 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Damian Browne, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Richardt Strauss, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Jamie Hagan, 19 Leo Cullen, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 John Cooney, 22 Noel Reid, 23 Isa Nacewa.
With all the Internationals back, Pete says leinster by 15
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