In a bold reshuffle for this Saturday's Vodacom URC quarter-final showdown, Leinster is rolling out a heavily rejigged lineup to take on the Lions at their Dublin fortress. After a disappointing loss to Bordeaux Bègles, head coach Leo Cullen is not leaving things to chance, stacking his bench with renowned game-changers like Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park, Harry Byrne, and Robbie Henshaw, signaling that Leinster is all in for a fierce comeback.
Returning to the fray, wing James Lowe is set to make his 100th appearance for Leinster, a significant milestone especially after missing out on the recent Investec Champions Cup final. Lowe's return isn't just a nod to his loyalty; it's a strategic move, particularly as he's tied with Shane Horgan for the all-time try-scoring record at 69 tries. His presence on the field is expected to electrify Leinster's offensive play.
The team's configuration sees further strategic adjustments, with Jimmy O'Brien starting on the right wing and Rieko Ioane shifting from left wing to outside centre. Ioane will partner with Jamie Osborne in the midfield, creating a dynamic duo that could break the Lions' defense. The halfback pairing of Luke McGrath and Sam Prendergast is another fresh tweak aimed at invigorating Leinster’s attack.
"We're throwing everything we've got into this clash,"
declared Cullen, emphasizing the high stakes and Leinster's determination to advance to the semi-finals. The pack also sees a shake-up with Tadhg Furlong moving up as the starting tighthead prop, flanked by Andrew Porter and Dan Sheehan, while Caelan Doris captains the team from the No. 8 position, supported by flankers Max Deegan and Scott Penny.
The winners of this critical match at Aviva Stadium will face either the Stormers or Cardiff in the semi-finals, adding extra weight to this quarter-final battle. As the tension builds, all eyes will be on Leinster’s heavy hitters on the bench to see if their inclusion can turn the tide in what promises to be a riveting encounter.
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.
2,100 posts
In a bold reshuffle for this Saturday's Vodacom URC quarter-final showdown, Leinster is rolling out a heavily rejigged lineup to take on the Lions at their Dublin fortress. After a disappointing loss to Bordeaux Bègles, head coach Leo Cullen is not leaving things to chance, stacking his bench with renowned game-changers like Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park, Harry Byrne, and Robbie Henshaw, signaling that Leinster is all in for a fierce comeback.
Returning to the fray, wing James Lowe is set to make his 100th appearance for Leinster, a significant milestone especially after missing out on the recent Investec Champions Cup final. Lowe's return isn't just a nod to his loyalty; it's a strategic move, particularly as he's tied with Shane Horgan for the all-time try-scoring record at 69 tries. His presence on the field is expected to electrify Leinster's offensive play.
The team's configuration sees further strategic adjustments, with Jimmy O'Brien starting on the right wing and Rieko Ioane shifting from left wing to outside centre. Ioane will partner with Jamie Osborne in the midfield, creating a dynamic duo that could break the Lions' defense. The halfback pairing of Luke McGrath and Sam Prendergast is another fresh tweak aimed at invigorating Leinster’s attack.
"We're throwing everything we've got into this clash,"
declared Cullen, emphasizing the high stakes and Leinster's determination to advance to the semi-finals. The pack also sees a shake-up with Tadhg Furlong moving up as the starting tighthead prop, flanked by Andrew Porter and Dan Sheehan, while Caelan Doris captains the team from the No. 8 position, supported by flankers Max Deegan and Scott Penny.The winners of this critical match at Aviva Stadium will face either the Stormers or Cardiff in the semi-finals, adding extra weight to this quarter-final battle. As the tension builds, all eyes will be on Leinster’s heavy hitters on the bench to see if their inclusion can turn the tide in what promises to be a riveting encounter.
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.