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No rest for Gordon D'Arcy as Ulster go without Payne

Leinster have handed the reins to Ian Madigan for tomorrow’s visit of Scarlets.

LEINSTER HEAD COACH Matt O’Connor has been able to call on seven players who were involved in Ireland’s last ditch defeat to New Zealand on Sunday.

The eastern province host Llanelli tomorrow evening with Ian Madigan handed the number 10 jersey with Gordon D’Arcy and Luke Fitzgerald also in the backline at centre and wing respectively.

Shane Jennings captains the side despite the presence of Leo Cullen in the second row alongside Mike McCarthy. Mike Ross, who started all three of Ireland’s November Tests, provides bench cover for Martin Moore at tighthead prop.

Ulster, who travel to face Zebre for tomorrow’s afternoon kick-off, have held back Jared Payne from their matchday squad despite a positive injury report on the Kiwi earlier this week.

Ricky Andrew will line out at fullback with Craig Gilroy switched to his more familiar slot on the left wing as Michael Allen is relegated to the bench.

On the inside channels, the familiar partnership of Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall, Darren Cave and Andrew Trimble will look for service from scrum-half Paul Marshall.

Up front, injuries to Lewis Stevenson and Iain Henderson mean an new lock combination is needed in the shape of Dan Tuohy and Neil McComb.

Ulster (v Zebre) R Andrew, A Trimble, D Cave, L Marshall, C Gilroy, P Jackson, P Marshall; (1-8): T Court, R Herring, J Afoa, N McComb, D Tuohy, R Diack (Captain), M McComish, R Wilson.

Replacements: N Annett, C Black, D Fitzpatrick, C Joyce, S Doyle, M Heaney, J McKinney, M Allen.

Leinster (v Scarlets): Z Kirchner, L Tuqiri, B Macken, G D’Arcy, L Fitzgerald; I Madigan, E Reddan: J McGrath, A Dundon, M Moore; L Cullen, M McCarthy; R Ruddock, S Jennings (capt), J Murphy.

Replacements: S Cronin, M  Bent, M Ross, T Denton, D Ryan, L McGrath, J Gopperth, D Fanning.

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