mens
United-rugby-championship
Leo Cullen has announced the changes for Leinster’s first home game of the new URC season, naming a completely changed starting XV for Saturday’s visit to Cardiff.
The Irish province are still looking for their first win of the season after two defeats on the bounce in their tour of the South Africa against Lions and sharks.
None of the players who started against the bonus point loss in Durban have been retained in the run-on side as Cullen rotates his resources.
A number of internationals from the first line have been invited to their first URC match in the remodeled and renamed Laya Arena.
Hooker Dan Sheehan captains the team, with Alex Usanov and Tadhg Furlong in the front row. There is further testing experience in the engine room, with Joe McCarthy and James Ryan set to make their first appearances of the campaign.
Joining in the back row are Max Deegan and Scott Penny Ireland star Jack Conan, who starts at No. 8.
Behind the pack, Oliver Coffey gets his first senior start at scrum-half, partnering Sam Prendergast at half-back.
The midfield combination of Jamie Osborne and Garry Ringrose returns, while Jimmy O’Brien and Joshua Kenny are selected on the wings.
Hugo Keenan completes the back three from full back.
Cullen has also named a decent bench, with Peter Dooley, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson, Alan Spicer and Josh Ericson among the forward signings.
Academy scrum-half Fintan Gunne, Caspar Gabriel and Robbie Henshaw headline the backline.
“We’ve all been talking about going back to the Laya Arena,” he said Leinster kicking coach Emmet Farrell.” Obviously the old RDS had some great nights and we’re looking forward to having some really big nights at the Laya Arena.”
Leinster Rugby: Hugo Keenan, Joshua Kenny, Garry Ringrose, Jamie Osborne, Jimmy O’Brien, Sam Prendergast, Oliver Coffey; Alex Usanov, Dan Sheehan (CAPT), Tadgh Furlong, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Jack Conan
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Peter Dooley, Thomas Clarkson, Alan Spicer, Josh Ericson, Fintan Gunne, Caspar Gabriel, Robbie Henshaw
