Seven changes to starting XV as Cullen names team to face Bulls
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The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on the Vodacom Bulls in Round 2 of the BKT United Rugby Championship on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium (KO: 6.30pm local time / 5.30pm Irish time, live on Premier Sports 1) has been named by Head Coach, Leo Cullen.
There are seven changes in personnel to the starting XV from last week’s defeat to DHL Stormers, including the introduction of British and Irish Lion Thomas Clarkson for the first time this season.
Clarkson will pack down on the opposite side to Paddy McCarthy, who is making his first Leinster start, with Gus McCarthy at hooker. Ryan Baird moves into the second row where he will partner Brian Deeny.
It’s a new-look back row, with Alex Soroka and Will Connors on the flanks to support Max Deegan at number eight.
Luke McGrath captains the side once more and continues his half-back partnership with Sam Prendergast. Robbie Henshaw shifts across to inside centre, with Hugh Cooney set to be his partner on the outside.
Tommy O’Brien and Jimmy O’Brien continue at wing and full-back respectively, while Andrew Osborne comes in for his first appearance of the campaign.
Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani and John McKee provide the front row reinforcements, with Diarmuid Mangan, Scott Penny and James Culhane completing a 6-2 split, as Fintan Gunne and Ciarán Frawley offer cover for the backs.
Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):
15. Jimmy O’Brien (103)
14. Tommy O’Brien (48)
13. Hugh Cooney (6)
12. Robbie Henshaw (105)
11. Andrew Osborne (12)
10. Sam Prendergast (35)
9. Luke McGrath (235) CAPTAIN
1. Paddy McCarthy (7)
2. Gus McCarthy (16)
3. Thomas Clarkson (59)
4. Brian Deeny (37)
5. Ryan Baird (86)
6. Alex Soroka (17)
7. Will Connors (58)
8. Max Deegan (137)
Replacements:
16. John McKee (36)
17. Jack Boyle (29)
18. Rabah Slimani (24)
19. Diarmuid Mangan (16)
20. Scott Penny (89)
21. James Culhane (19)
22. Fintan Gunne (17)
23. Ciarán Frawley (104)
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU)
