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Leinster to unleash Ireland big guns for Scarlets clash
By Josh Raisey
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named a near full strength side to face the Scarlets tomorrow in the United Rugby Championship at the RDS Arena.
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Garry Ringrose and James Ryan return to the starting XV to co-captain the side, with the likes of Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris all returning after Ireland’s World Cup campaign. With Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong also on the bench, this is an extremely experienced side married with the inexperience of 20-year-old No10 Sam Prendergast, with Ross Byrne backing him up from the bench.
Leinster currently sit in second place in the URC, level on points with the leaders the Bulls, while the Scarlets are third from bottom having only won one of their first four matches.
Speaking ahead of the game, Leinster assistant coach Robin McBryde said: “Scarlets had a few tough away trips to the South African teams. They have nothing to lose, and are coming here to make a point.
“There is no more dangerous team than the Scarlets in that mode. They are very dangerous in the backs. If the forwards can give them a platform, they will be a handful.”
Leinster XV(caps in brackets):
15. Hugo Keenan (56)
14. Jordan Larmour (92)
13. Garry Ringrose (116) CO-CAPTAIN
12. Jamie Osborne (34)
11. Jimmy O’Brien (72)
10. Sam Prendergast (7)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (5)
1. Andrew Porter (108)
2. Rónan Kelleher (47)
3. Thomas Clarkson (29)
4. Joe McCarthy (20)
5. James Ryan (73) CO-CAPTAIN
6. Max Deegan (102)
7. Josh van der Flier (128)
8. Caelan Doris (68)
Replacements:
16. Dan Sheehan (47)
17. Jack Boyle (6)
18. Tadhg Furlong (134)
19. Ross Molony (165)
20. Scott Penny (60)
21. Fintan Gunne (0)
22. Ross Byrne (149)
23. Ciarán Frawley (71)
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Latest Comments
The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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