Glasgow v Leinster: Teams
Glasgow head coach Sean Lineen has made 10 changes for the visit of Leinster in Sunday's Heineken Cup Pool 3 clash.
Last Updated: 13/01/12 5:48pm
Glasgow head coach Sean Lineen has made 10 changes for the visit of Leinster in Sunday's Heineken Cup Pool 3 clash.
The Scottish outfit are currently six points behind Pool leaders Leinster and a win on Saturday would boost their chances of sealing a surprise path through to the knock-out phase.
Chris Cusiter and Duncan Weir form the all-important half-back axis for the hosts, with the duo having sat out last weekend's game. Full-back Rory Lamont, centre Stuart Hogg and winger Colin Shaw also return to the fray.
There are further changes up front, with number eight John Barclay, second rowers Alastair Kellock and Richie Gray as well as hooker Pat MacArthur and prop Ed Kalman making comebacks.
The hosts were handed a late boost when flanker Rob Harley was cleared to play by a disciplinary hearing on Friday.
Lineen is well aware of the immense challenge that faces his side but it's a task they're ready to meet head on.
Enthused
"This is the sort of game you work in rugby to be involved in. What a challenge we've got ahead of us, against a side who have set new standards for the rest of Europe in what they do at the contact area and how many good decisions they make right across the park," he told the club's official website.
"We know from the first game back in November that it's going to be tough, massively so, but this is what it's all about. Through a lot of hard work and determination, we've put ourselves in a position where we're going into the last two pool games still very much in the mix, and we're all excited and enthused by that.
"We're going to have another big Firhill crowd behind us, and we'll be doing everything we possibly can to achieve something truly special."
In contrast to his opposite number, Joe Schmidt has made just two changes to his starting XV, both of which are in the pack.
Kevin McLaughlin makes way for Shane Jennings on the flank, with Sean O'Brien swapping the number seven jersey for the six to accommodate his arrival. In the second row, Damian Browne is replaced by Leo Cullen.
Winger David Kearney will be making his Heineken Cup debut in an impressive back three that includes his older brother, Rob.
Glasgow: 15 Rory Lamont, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Stuart Hogg, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Colin Shaw, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Chris Cusiter, 8 John Barclay, 7 Chris Fusaro, 6 Rob Harley, 5 Alastair Kellock, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Ed Kalman, 2 Pat MacArthur, 1 John Welsh.
Replacements: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Gordon Reid, 18 Ryan Grant, 19 Tom Ryder, 20 Johnnie Beattie, 21 Colin Gregor, 22 Troy Nathan, 23 Scott Wight.
Leinster: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Dave Kearney, 13 Fergus McFadden, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Isa Nacewa, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Leo Cullen, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements:16 Aaron Dundon, 17 Heinke Van der Merwe, 18 Nathan White, 19 Damian Browne, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Eoin O'Malley.