RaboDirect PRO12 rugby match preview: Zebre v Leinster
Zebre have made three changes in personnel ahead of their RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Leinster on Sunday.
Last Updated: 21/04/13 2:55pm
Gonzalo Garcia loses his place in the side as Matteo Pratichetti is promoted from the bench to start at inside centre.
The first of two changes in the front line sees Josh Sole assume the number eight jersey with Andries van Schalkwyk left out to be replaced by Mauro Bergamasco.
Meanwhile Andrea Manici gets the nod ahead of Davide Giazzon at hooker in the starting line-up as Zebre continue their search for their first win of the season.
In contrast high-flying Leinster have it all play for as they sit just three points below rivals Ulster at the head of the standings.
The Irishmen are boosted by the return of Jonathan Sexton who has been out since January with injury.
Brian O'Driscoll leads the experienced Leinster side and will partner Andrew Goodman at centre while Ireland international Fergus McFadden starts on the right wing in a formidable back line.
Tom Denton and Devin Toner make up the second row while prop Jack McGrath will start alongside Richardt Strauss and Michael Bent in the front row as Joe Schmidt changes his entire pack.
The number eight position has been awarded to Rhys Ruddock while Dominic Ryan is partnered by Kevin McLaughlin in the flanks.
20-year-old fly-half Cathal Marsh could make his debut for the province having been selected on the bench for Sunday's trip to Ireland.
Zebre: 15 Ruggero Trevisan, 14 Leonardo Sarto, 13 Giovanbattista Venditti, 12 Matteo Pratichetti, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Alberto Chillon, 8 Josh Sole, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Filippo Ferrarini, 5 Marco Bortolami (capt), 4 Michael van Vuren, 3 Luciano Leibson, 2 Andrea Manici, 1 Matias Aguero.
Replacements:16 Carlo Festuccia, 17 Andrea de Marchi, 18 Salvatore Perugini, 19 Emiliano Caffini, 20 Filippo Cristiano, 21 Tito Tebaldi, 22 Luciano Orquera, 23 David Odiete.
Leinster: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12 Andrew Goodman, 11 Fionn Carr, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 John Cooney, 8 Rhys Ruddock, 7 Dominic Ryan, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Tom Denton, 3 Michael Bent, 2 Richardt Strauss, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Aaron Dundon, 17 Jack O'Connell, 18 Jamie Hagan, 19 Quinn Roux, 20 Leo Auva'a, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Cathal Marsh, 23 Andrew Conway.
