The pride of Lions is back in town! Leinster is gearing up to turn their luck around in the Vodacom URC this Saturday against the Sharks, and they're not pulling any punches. With the return of five British & Irish Lions to their den, the Dublin-based squad is looking stronger than ever. Coach Leo Cullen has shaken up the starting lineup with eight fresh faces, hoping to snatch that elusive first win of the season right in front of their home crowd.
Leading the pack, Josh van der Flier will don the captain's armband for the first time, a move that's got fans buzzing with excitement. "It's a huge honor to lead this team, especially with such a mix of experienced heads and young blood. We're all fired up to go out there and show what we're made of," van der Flier remarked. The forward line sees him flanked by Alex Soroka and Max Deegan, while the towering duo of Brian Deeny and Ryan Baird hold the fort in the second row.
The front row is looking formidable with Tadhg Furlong rolling out as tighthead prop, Rónan Kelleher hooking, and Paddy McCarthy completing the trio as loosehead. In the backline, James Lowe and Jamie Osborne make a welcome return, adding some serious firepower. The midfield sees Robbie Henshaw shifting to outside centre, linking up with Ciarán Frawley, while the young guns Fintan Gunne and Harry Byrne are set to ignite the game from scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively.
"We've had a tough start to the season, but the boys are itching to set things right. Bringing back our Lions adds a layer of strength and experience that will be crucial for this match,"
said Coach Cullen, reflecting on the team's recent challenges.
On the bench, Thomas Clarkson's presence ups the Lions' count in the match squad to six, promising some heavy artillery in reserve. After a couple of rough weeks on tour in South Africa with losses to the Stormers and Bulls, Leinster's fortress at home is prepped and primed for a major bounce-back.
LEINSTER LINEUP: Jamie Osborne, Jimmy O’Brien, Robbie Henshaw, Ciarán Frawley, James Lowe, Harry Byrne, Fintan Gunne, Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier (c), Alex Soroka, Ryan Baird, Brian Deeny, Tadhg Furlong, Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy. Bench: Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Diarmuid Mangan, James Culhane, Luke McGrath, Hugh Cooney, Joshua Kenny.
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The pride of Lions is back in town! Leinster is gearing up to turn their luck around in the Vodacom URC this Saturday against the Sharks, and they're not pulling any punches. With the return of five British & Irish Lions to their den, the Dublin-based squad is looking stronger than ever. Coach Leo Cullen has shaken up the starting lineup with eight fresh faces, hoping to snatch that elusive first win of the season right in front of their home crowd.
Leading the pack, Josh van der Flier will don the captain's armband for the first time, a move that's got fans buzzing with excitement. "It's a huge honor to lead this team, especially with such a mix of experienced heads and young blood. We're all fired up to go out there and show what we're made of," van der Flier remarked. The forward line sees him flanked by Alex Soroka and Max Deegan, while the towering duo of Brian Deeny and Ryan Baird hold the fort in the second row.
The front row is looking formidable with Tadhg Furlong rolling out as tighthead prop, Rónan Kelleher hooking, and Paddy McCarthy completing the trio as loosehead. In the backline, James Lowe and Jamie Osborne make a welcome return, adding some serious firepower. The midfield sees Robbie Henshaw shifting to outside centre, linking up with Ciarán Frawley, while the young guns Fintan Gunne and Harry Byrne are set to ignite the game from scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively.
"We've had a tough start to the season, but the boys are itching to set things right. Bringing back our Lions adds a layer of strength and experience that will be crucial for this match,"
said Coach Cullen, reflecting on the team's recent challenges.On the bench, Thomas Clarkson's presence ups the Lions' count in the match squad to six, promising some heavy artillery in reserve. After a couple of rough weeks on tour in South Africa with losses to the Stormers and Bulls, Leinster's fortress at home is prepped and primed for a major bounce-back.
LEINSTER LINEUP: Jamie Osborne, Jimmy O’Brien, Robbie Henshaw, Ciarán Frawley, James Lowe, Harry Byrne, Fintan Gunne, Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier (c), Alex Soroka, Ryan Baird, Brian Deeny, Tadhg Furlong, Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy. Bench: Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Diarmuid Mangan, James Culhane, Luke McGrath, Hugh Cooney, Joshua Kenny.