Fardy to skipper depleted Leinster

SCOTT Fardy will captain Leinster for the first time as the side shows seven changes for today’s game against the Southern Kings in South Africa.

Depleted by Ireland callups, full-back Rob Kearney is replaced by his brother Dave with Conor O’Brien and Noel Reid in for Robbie Henshaw and Ross Byrne.

Jack McGrath, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan and Sean O’Brien also drop out , with Ed Byrne, Michael Bent, Ross Molony and Josh Murphy coming into the forwards.

Dan Leavy starts in the back row after being released from the Ireland squad to get more game time following his spell out because of injury.

Fit-again Kearney is making his first start since the win over Dragons in September.

Centre O’Brien scored one of Leinster’s tries in last weekend’s bonus-point away win over Benetton after on as a replacement.

Reid will partner Jamison Gibson-Park at half-back while props Byrne and Bent start in the front row alongside James Tracy.

Kings coach Deon Davids has made six changes in personnel from last weekend’s 41-34 home defeat by Scarlets.

Three backline changes include the selection of recent signing Stefan Ungerer at scrum-half. Tertius Kruger, who made a good impact from the bench on his debut last weekend, partners Harlon Klaasen at centre while wing Michael Makase replaces Bjorn Basson, who is unavailable for personal reasons.

Justin Forwood is drafted into the front row while Stephan Greeff is at lock and back row Martinus Burger takes over from the injured Andisa Ntsila.