On paper, after nine defeats in nine matches, Zebre shouldn’t present much of a challenge to fourth-placed Leinster but Joe Schmidt, is never complacent and has laced team and bench with experience.
Gordon D’Arcy starts at outside centre, while Eoin Reddan partners Jonathan Sexton at half back. Fergus McFadden is named in an exciting back three alongside Andrew Conway and fullback Isa Nacewa.
Leo Cullen captains the side, with Ireland tighthead Michael Bent making his Leinster debut alongside returning internationals Seán Cronin and South Africa’s Heinke van der Merwe.
Schmidt will want the winning points as well as a bonus but cannot afford to pick up injuries with Clermont and the Heineken Cup just around the corner.
O’Brien is in need of game time after his long lay off and his progress will also be carefully watched alongside Kevin McLaughlin and Rhys Ruddock in the back row.
O’Brien came through his comeback match last weekend against Glasgow with aplomb.
It’s good timing for Schmidt, with Nacewa also making a return last week with no fall-out.
LEINSTER: I Nacewa; A Conway, G D’Arcy, A Goodman, F McFadden; J Sexton, E Reddan; H van der Merwe, S Cronin, M Bent; L Cullen (capt), D Browne; K McLaughlin, R Ruddock, S O’Brien. Replacements: A Dundon, C Healy, M Ross, T Denton, J Murphy, I Boss, I Madigan, F Carr.
ZEBRE: R Trevisan; L Sarto, G Garcia (capt), M Pratichetti, S Sinoti; D Halangahu, T Tebaldi; M Aguero, C Festuccia, D Ryan; Q Geldenhuys, J Sole; N Cattina, M Bergamasco, F Cristiano. Replacements: D Giazzon, A De Marchi, C Fazzari, E Caffini, N Belardo, A Chillon, D Odiete, P Buso. Referee: A McMenenmy (SRU). Verdict: Leinster
