Sexton returns as Leinster challenge leaders

The newly-capped fly-half makes his first appearance for Leinster since picking up an injury in Ireland's historic win over South Africa at the end of November.

Brian O'Driscoll will partner Fergus McFadden at centre, with veteran international Girvan Dempsey named at full back.

Shane Jennings will captain the side and is included in a back-row which also features Kevin McLaughlin and Jamie Heaslip, with Nathan Hines partnering Devin Toner at second row.

Following a pitch inspection in the RDS on Thursday morning the game will proceed as planned, however the playing surface and supporter's areas will continue to be monitored.

The health & safety officer Eamonn O'Boyle is drawing up a plan regarding proposed new access routes into the ground for supporters because of the recent adverse weather.

Close to 14,000 tickets have now been sold for Friday's game. Tickets can be purchased from www.leinsterrugby.ie , Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and the Leinster Rugby Store and Spar shops in Donnybrook. Ticketmaster vans will also selling tickets outside the RDS from 5pm on Friday.

LEINSTER:

15: Girvan Dempsey
14: Isa Nacewa
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Fergus McFadden
11: Rob Kearney
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Cian Healy
2: John Fogarty
3: Stan Wright
4: Devin Toner
5: Nathan Hines
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Shane Jennings CAPTAIN
8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Bernard Jackman
17: Mike Ross
18: Malcolm O'Kelly
19: Stephen Keogh
20: Paul O'Donohoe
21: Shaun Berne
22: Simon Keogh

REFEREE: James Jones (WRU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: David Wilkinson (IRFU), Leo Colgan (IRFU), 4th OFFICIAL: Ed Kenny (ARLB), 5th OFFICIAL: Sean Gallagher (ARLB), TMO: Tony Redmond (IRFU)