Leinster squad to face Ulster

Gordon D'Arcy is named in the Leinster squad for the first time this season to give the province a timely boost after recovering from an arm injury sustained last February. D'Arcy comes into the squad and is in contention for a place with Shane Horgan and Brian O'Driscoll both rested.

The likes of Girvan Dempsey, Isa Nacewa, Felipe Contepomi, Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney are also named among the backs. In the pack, CJ van der Linde has recovered from a calf strain and is named in a strong-looking forward unit, though Bernard Jackman (knee ligament) misses the game.

Click on this link for quotes from an exclusive interview with Leinster Coach Michael Cheika as he looks ahead to this weekend's Interprovincial derby:

http://leinsterrugby.wavenex.ie/preview.php?video=http://leinsterrugby.wavenex.ie/video/LeinsterRugby-Cheika-22-12-2008.flv

Leinster squad to face Ulster

Forwards (15): Cian Healy, Ronan McCormack, Brian Blaney, John Fogarty, CJ van der Linde, Stan Wright, Trevor Hogan, Devin Toner, Cameron Jowitt, Malcolm O'Kelly, Rocky Elsom, Stephen Keogh, Shane Jennings, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip

Backs (10): Chris Keane, Chris Whitaker, Isa Nacewa, Jonathan Sexton, Rob Kearney, Simon Keogh, Felipe Contepomi, Gordon D'Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Girvan Dempsey

REFEREE: George Clancy (IRFU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: P. Fitzgibbon and L. Colgan (IRFU), TMO: Trevor Collins (IRFU)