Lineen expects Dublin tussle

Sean Lineen expects a Test-intensity clash when Glasgow Warriors take on Leinster in the RaboDirect PRO12 play-off semi-final in Dublin.

Scrum-half Chris Cusiter returns as one of five changes following the 24-3 win over Connacht last weekend, with an all-new front row of Ryan Grant, Pat MacArthur and Mike Cusack starting and captain Alastair Kellock returning at lock.

Lineen, who is to leave his role at the end of the season, believes Glasgow's full 23-man squad will be called upon and internationals Moray Low, Johnnie Beattie and Ruaridh Jackson are among those with key roles to play off the replacements' bench.

Lineen told Glasgow Warriors' website: "We've picked 23 men who we firmly believe have it in them to achieve a special result for Glasgow Warriors.

"Once again, we're expecting the intensity and pace of the game to be Test level, and that's where the combined efforts of the starting XV and a strong bench can really come into their own.

"It's especially the case for the six front-row guys that they'll all have a significant role to play, and we're in the fortunate position of having half a dozen lads who are performing to a high level, never mind the likes of Gordon Reid, Finlay Gillies and Ed Kalman (all of whom missed selection) who have also shown up well.

"Al Kellock and Chris Cusiter give us experience, leadership and class, but again we're delighted to have Tom Ryder and Henry Pyrgos ready and waiting to bring their influence to bear from the bench.

"The same goes for our other substitutes, Johnnie Beattie, Ruaridh Jackson and Peter Murchie, who have all made their own contribution to our season and who we're backing to deliver more tomorrow."

Lineen is confident the Warriors can upset Leinster, who on May 19 will seek to successfully defend their Heineken Cup title.

"The players have trained really well all week - there's an obvious hunger and determination there which stands us in good stead," Lineen said.

"We're all well aware of just how tough a match this is going to be, but we're focusing on ourselves and what we have to do to win.

"We've shown character, ability and tenacity to get ourselves into the semi-finals. The challenge now is to bring out those qualities in even bigger quantities to beat the best team in Europe."