LEINSTER CHASING HISTORY IN SOUTH AFRICA

A RUGBY first in Port Elizabeth and Leinster are aiming to mark the occasion by claiming a historic Guinness PRO14 win on South African soil.

Having secured the maximum return from their first two games, the Irish province are hoping to put a disrupted week behind them with a strong performance.

Although their list of absent players reads like a who’s who, they are still able to field a starting line-up with 11 Irish internationals and keep three more in reserve. Contrast that with a callow Kings side who will be glad to be back on home soil after two tough weeks on tour in Wales and Ireland.

They have also had to cope with travelling back from Europe and trained just once all week, but will hope that the backing of a curious local crowd can help them give an improved display.

However, Leinster should have the quality to get the result at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and with a powerful pack and a backline that has plenty of scope to move the ball, they’ll fancy their chances of keeping their winning run going.

Leo Cullen is adamant that they must improve on their stuttering display in their bonus-point win over Cardiff Blues and if they do they should win comfortably.

Verdict: Leinster

Southern Kings v Leinster, Live TG4, 1.15