Leo Cullen admits it may be a gamble to risk Sean Cronin after a calf injury in tomorrow's Champions Cup final in Newcastle.
Speaking after Leinster's Captain's Run at St James' Park, the Blues head coach explained his reasoning for going with the hugely experienced Ireland hooker against Saracens.
"When a guy picks up an injury in the semi-final with his calf, we knew it was going to be tight with Sean," said Cullen.
"But he trained this week and sometimes in a final you take a bit of a chance but hopefully he’s OK."
Cullen has named a strong selection as the province attempt to successfully defend their European crown against the title winners of 2016 and 2017.
Tadhg Furlong make his 100th appearance in an unchanged side from the one that beat Toulouse in the semi-final in Dublin.
Skipper Johnny Sexton and Cian Healy are the only players involved who are going for their fifth winner's medal in the competition.
Leinster team to play Saracens in Champions Cup final
"Selection has been tough over the course of the year, in a good way," said Cullen.
"A couple of guys got bad news, the 15 is the same but there were tweaks and changes on the bench."
Jack McGrath and Michael Bent are parachuted in as prop replacements.
"Decisions weren’t taken lightly. It means a lot to the wider group and the way the guys not involved prepared the team is hugely important to the performance.
"This 15 did a good job in the semi. Sometimes, with a team like Saracens, you need a strong set piece. Jack (McGrath) has a lot of experience of playing at the highest level.
"The way we think the game will unfold, his strengths suit this challenge.
"Michael Bent has been so important to us over the course of the season. He’s very important".
Leinster team: 15. Rob Kearney, 14. Jordan Larmour, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Robbie Henshaw, 11. James Lowe, 10. Johnny Sexton (Captain), 9. Luke McGrath, 1. Cian Healy, 2. Seán Cronin, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Devin Toner, 5. James Ryan, 6. Scott Fardy, 7. Seán O’Brien, 8. Jack Conan
Replacements: 16. James Tracy, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Michael Bent, 19. Rhys Ruddock, 20. Max Deegan, 21. Hugh O’Sullivan, 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Rory O’Loughlin
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