Leinster v Cardiff Blues: Guinness PRO12 preview

Isa Nacewa has scored 399 points for Leinster

Isa Nacewa will captain Leinster on his return to the RDS when they host Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

Kevin McLaughlin has failed to come through the return to play protocols so Nacewa skippers the province on his first home appearance since returning from a coaching position with the Auckland Blues.

Head coach Leo Cullen has made four changes to the team that were defeated by Edinburgh in last weekend's Guinness PRO12 opener.

Garry Ringrose makes his debut on the right wing with experienced duo Nacewa and Fergus McFadden completing the back three.

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Highlights of the Guinness PRO12 clash between Edinburgh and Leinster

The remaining changes come in the pack where Ross Moloney and Dominic Ryan come in for the sidelined Tom Denton and McLaughlin, while Josh van der Flier is named at openside.

The back-row consists of Dominic Ryan at blindside, Josh van der Flier for his first appearance of the season at openside and Ireland international Jack Conan once again selected at No 8.

Cardiff began their season in style with an 11-try demolition of Zebre and head coach Danny Wilson makes three changes for the trip to Dublin.

Hooker Kristian Dacey is restored to the starting line-up after being released by Wales. He packs down beside tighthead Craig Mitchell, who replaces Taufa'ao Fillise.

The final changes comes on the left wing where Owen Jenkins comes in for Tom James, who misses out with a foot injury.

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Rhys Patchell and Josh Turnbull scored a hat-trick apiece as Cardiff began their season with a comprehensive win over Zebre

"Leinster get a fantastic home crowd, they are well supported and they get momentum from the backing they enjoy so it should be a great atmosphere," said Wilson.

"Whichever way you look at it we go there as underdogs, even though we come off from a good win and they come off from a loss. But what a great place it would be to go and get a win."

Leinster: 15 Isa Nacewa (c), 14 Garry Ringrose, 13 Ben Te'o, 12 Noel Reid, 11 Fergus McFadden, 10 Cathal Marsh, 9 Luke McGrath; 1 Michael Bent, 2 Aaron Dundon, 3 Jamie Hagan, 4 Ross Molony, 5 Mike McCarthy, 6 Dominic Ryan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Jack Conan.

Replacements: 16 Bryan Byrne, 17 Peter Dooley, 18 Royce Burke-Flynn, 19 Tadhg Beirne, 20 Daniel Leavy, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Cian Kelleher.

Cardiff Blues: 15 Dan Fish, 14 Aled Summerhill, 13 Tom Isaacs, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Owen Jenkins, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Tavis Knoyle; 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Craig Mitchell, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 James Down, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Josh Navidi (c), 8 Manoa Vosawai

Replacements: 16 Ethan Lewis, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Lou Reed, 20 Ellis Jenkins, 21 Lewis Jones, 22 Gareth Davies, 23 Garyn Smith.

Watch Leinster v Cardiff Blues live on Sky Sports 4 HD on Saturday from 5pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.