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Leinster name 5 returning Ireland players in XV for Dragons
By Ian Cameron
Leinster are set to field a formidable lineup against the Dragons RFC in Round 4 of the BKT United Rugby Championship on Sunday at Rodney Parade, with head coach Leo Cullen naming five returning Ireland Rugby World Cup players in the squad.
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Dan Sheehan will lead the team for the first time, anchoring a side featuring the firepower of Andy Farrell’s World Cup squad.
Ciarán Frawley assumes the full-back position, while Tommy O’Brien and Jimmy O’Brien, both veterans of the recent Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final, take their places on the wings.
In the midfield, Jamie Osborne and Charlie Ngatai provide stability, with the experienced Ross Byrne returning at fly-half. The scrum-half duties will be handled by Leinster Academy’s Ben Murphy, making his starting debut.
Up front, the front row is composed of Jack Boyle, Sheehan, and Thomas Clarkson. Sheehan, a Lansdowne FC club man, captains the side, marking his first appearance in Leinster blue this season.
The second row sees the return of Joe McCarthy and Jason Jenkins and they’re joined in the back row by Ryan Baird, Will Connors and James Culhane.
On the bench, Samoa captain Michael Ala’alatoa eyes his 50th Leinster cap as a replacement.
LEINSTER TEAM:
15. Ciarán Frawley
14. Tommy O’Brien
13. Jamie Osborne
12. Charlie Ngatai
11. Jimmy O’Brien
10. Ross Byrne
9. Ben Murphy
1. Jack Boyle
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Thomas Clarkson
4. Joe McCarthy
5. Jason Jenkins
6. Ryan Baird
7. Will Connors
8. James Culhane
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REPLACEMENTS:
16. Lee Barron
17. Paddy McCarthy
18. Michael Ala’alatoa
19. Max Deegan
20. Scott Penny
21. Cormac Foley
22. Harry Byrne
23. Rob Russell
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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