Leinster team to face Edinburgh

Shane Horgan starts on the right wing in a backline which features fellow Ireland internationals Girvan Dempsey and Gordon D'Arcy who partners Fergus McFadden at centre.

In the pack, Sean O'Brien forms a back-row partnership with Cameron Jowitt and Stephen Keogh. Ireland duo Trevor Hogan and captain Leo Cullen start in the second row for Leinster's second away trip in five days.

LEINSTER:

15: Girvan Dempsey
14: Shane Horgan
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Simon Keogh
10: Isa Nacewa
9: Chris Keane

1: Ronan McCormack
2: John Fogarty
3: Stephen Knoop
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Trevor Hogan
6: Cameron Jowitt
7: Sean O'Brien
8: Stephen Keogh

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Brian Blaney
17: Ollie le Roux
18: Devin Toner
19: Kevin McLaughlin
20: Paul O'Donohoe
21: Ian McKinley
22: Gary Brown

REFEREE: Tim Hayes (WRU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: John Steel (SRU), Peter Carruthers (SRU), TMO: Jim Yuilles (SRU)

Speaking ahead of Friday night's game, Leinster and Ireland 'A' wing forward SEAN O'BRIEN insists that the squad are focused on the task at hand and will respect the threat posed by Edinburgh...

"There's a lot of confidence in the squad right now. The Harlequins win has given us a lift and we know that the real hard work starts now. There are a few places up for grabs so the message for those of us who weren't involved last week is that we will have to work hard to get into the team.

"The work ethic in the team has been strong all season and over the last few months we have fight hard to win tight games. Personally, this year has gone well.

"I have enjoyed getting a run of games and being involved in big games, like the Wasps victory at home, gave me a taste of the level that's required. It's up to us this weekend to make a mark and take our chances.

"We have come up against tough teams throughout the league and Edinburgh will be formidable opponents on Friday. (Mike) Blair is a big threat and he really gets their backline moving. Their pack is very strong and we will have to match them up front if we are to get anything from the game.

"It's vital that we keep on picking up points so, in that respect, our thoughts won't drift beyond this game. If we do that then we'll run the risk of losing track of ourselves. We can't let other results affect us. We respect Edinburgh as a side who consistently performs well.

"They have a proud home record in Murrayfield and an away game is always difficult in the league. In saying that, we did manage to pick up good back-to-back victories over in Wales (against the Scarlets and the Ospreys) during the Six Nations so that will give us an extra lift.

"We've got to go over to Edinburgh and be positive and strong-minded. If we believe in ourselves and perform to the best of our ability, then we will be in contention and it is vital that we front up from the off."