Girvan Dempsey set to make return

Girvan Dempsey will line out with the Leinster team when they take on Edinburgh Reivers in Friday's European Cup in Donnybrook. Dempsey picked up an ankle injury when playing for Ireland against the Springboks and is now in the Leinster side to make it four wins on the trot in their penultimate European Cup tie.

Leinster haven't looked back since losing narrowly in their opening fixture to their Scottish opponents last year. Since then they have recorded back to wins over champions Northampton not to mention a stirring victory over Biarritz.

Leinster however will have to make do without the services of Eric Miller who broke his thumb whilst playing in Leinster's warm up game against Munster last Friday. Trevor Brennan comes into the fray at wing forward while St Mary's Hooker, Peter Smyth, makes a rare appearance with Leinster's most capped player, Shane Byrne, moved to the bench although coach Matt Williams is expected to bring the Blackrock front row on at some stage.

Reggie Corrigan will join Dempsey in returning to play after recent injuries while DLSP flanker, Declan O' Brien continues his rehabilitation after a long lay off by earning his place on the bench. A Leinster win is expected but William's has ruled out any thoughts of a quarter-final place until after the game.

"If you think beyond the eighty minutes, you're as good as finished. Edinburgh have four full Scottish internationals in their team and never give up as we found out to our expense the last time. I think the player's know that so there will be no complacency on our part."

The Munster team to face Newport in Newport on Saturday has also been announced. Mike Mullins and Jason Holland are out through injury. John Kelly partners Killian Keane in the centre with John O'Neill and Anthony Horgan on the wings. Munster are bringing a travelling party of 25 players to Wales. The 7 replacement positions will be finalised on Thursday evening.

Leinster team to play Edinburgh Reivers, Donnybrook at 7pm: Girvan Dempsey, Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordan D'Arcy, Eddie Hekenui, Brian O'Meara, Reg Corrigan, Peter Smyth, Emmet Byrne, Bob Casey, Malcolm O'Kelly, Trevor Brennan, Liam Toland (captain), Victor Costello

Replacements: Kevin Putt, Mark McHugh, Peter McKenna, Declan O'Brien, Leo Cullen, Gary Halpin, Shane Byrne.

Filed by Sinéad Kissane