Ireland hooker Rónan Kelleher will captain Leinster in Saturday’s URC clash against the Sharks at Kings Park.
Kelleher is one of five changes to the starting XV that suffered a 27-26 defeat to the Lions at Ellis Park in the opening round, with two players also switching positions.
He starts between props Andrew Porter, who shifts to loosehead, and Thomas Clarkson, while Alan Spicer joins Conor O’Tighearnaigh in the second row.
Ryan Baird moves from lock to flank, where he forms the back row with Josh van der Flier and Josh Ericson.
TEAM: Sharks aim Bok big guns at Leinster
Fintan Gunne, who scored a hat-trick against the Lions, retains the No 9 jersey and again partners Caspar Gabriel at halfback. Ireland flyhalf Sam Prendergast has been named among the replacements.
The only change to the backline sees Robbie Henshaw start at inside centre, with Hugh Cooney continuing at outside centre.
LEINSTER – 15 Todd Lawlor, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Hugh Cooney, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Andrew Osborne, 10 Caspar Gabriel, 9 Fintan Gunne, 8 Josh Ericson, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Alan Spicer, 4 Conor O’Tighearnaigh, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Rónan Kelleher (c), 1 Andrew Porter.
Bench: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Alex Usanov, 18 Niall Smyth, 19 Brian Deeney, 20 Ciarán Mangan, 21 Oliver Coffey, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Hugo McLaughlin.
Photo: @leinsterrugby/Instagram
The post Leinster change five for Sharks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ireland hooker Rónan Kelleher will captain Leinster in Saturday’s URC clash against the Sharks at Kings Park.
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