Leinster have made six changes to the match 23 that lost to Bordeaux Bègles for Saturday’s Vodacom URC quarter-final clash against the Lions in Dublin.
Head coach Leo Cullen has named potential match-winners Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park, Harry Byrne and Robbie Henshaw among the replacements.
Wing James Lowe, who missed out on selection for the Investec Champions Cup final, returns to make his 100th appearance for the province. In his previous outing, he had equalled Shane Horgan’s all-time try-scoring record of 69 tries.
In further changes to the backline, Jimmy O’Brien starts on the right wing, while Rieko Ioane moves from the left wing to outside centre, where he will partner Jamie Osborne in midfield.
Luke McGrath and Sam Prendergast form a new halfback pairing.
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In the pack, Tadhg Furlong moves into the starting XV at tighthead prop after being on the bench last weekend, with Andrew Porter and Dan Sheehan completing the front row.
Caelan Doris captains the side from No 8, with Max Deegan and Scott Penny either side.
The winners of the clash at the Aviva Stadium will face the Stormers or Cardiff in the semi-finals.
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LEINSTER – 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jimmy O’Brien, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jamie Osborne, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Scott Penny, 6 Max Deegan, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter.
Bench: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Alex Usanov, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Diarmuid Mangan, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Harry Byrne, 23 Robbie Henshaw.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Leinster stack bench for Lions battle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Leinster have made six changes to the match 23 that lost to Bordeaux Bègles for Saturday’s Vodacom URC quarter-final clash against the Lions in Dublin.
The post Leinster stack bench for Lions battle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
