This is probably the strongest Leinster have been: Kearney

AN ORANGE weather warning hangs over Dublin and Wasps are on red alert ahead of their outing at the RDS Arena.

Team announcements are generally run-of-the-mill affairs, but when Leo Cullen dropped his 23 into the ether just before noon yesterday, it caused a fuss on social media.

Written out in black and white, Leinster’s matchday 23 read like a statement of intent.

Sean O’Brien and Scott Fardy must be content with a place on the bench knowing it could be worse; Fergus McFadden and Rhys Ruddock are two of a number of internationals who miss out entirely. Cullen described selection as “competitive” and admitted that some players are “disappointed” at missing out.

Rob Kearney was less understated.

“Without a doubt,” he replied when asked if this was the most competitive Leinster squad he’s been part of.

“Monday morning team selection is quiet, the players don’t know what the strongest team is and I’m sure the coaches even question as well at times what the strongest team is.

“You look at the names missing out, it’s without a doubt one of the strongest squads we’ve had over the last few years, if not the strongest.”

Kearney believes that they can repeat last year’s trick of winning the tournament unbeaten.

This is their fifth title defence since 2009/10.

“As a playing group you try and change your mindset a little bit,” he said. “As of tomorrow, we’re just another team trying to get the trophy.

“At the European media launch, Johnny carried the trophy in and he put it back down on the stand and, for me, that was a bit of a telling moment that he was giving it back and it was all to play for again.”

Unlike the full-strength Leinster team, Wasps make the trip without a host of front-liners. Their form is mixed, and the loss of the injured Joe Launchbury and suspended Nathan Hughes weakens their pack.

Coach Dai Young is fully aware of the task his team faces.

“They’re a pretty formidable team, and not only a formidable team, a formidable squad,” the Welshman said.

“They have got some frightening strength in depth, really exciting youngsters and they’ve got big-match experience with the internationals.

“We are going to have to be at our best.”

Young can call on All Black out-half Lima Sopoaga and Cullen warned that his side must shut the talented No.10 down.

“He’s a handful. Some of the tactical kicking is what we need to be aware of tomorrow, particularly in the conditions,” he said.

“For us, it’s about trying to put him under as much pressure as possible.

“So it’s trying to use certain opportunities in the game to put him under as much pressure that he’s not used to and make life difficult for him so that he’s not dictating the game on his terms.

“Hopefully the game is being dictated on our terms.”

The team he has named can make life very difficult indeed. A winning start is very much on the agenda.