Three potential Leinster head to heads for the Ireland v Baa Baas game

Three potential Leinster head to heads for the Ireland v Baa Baas game

With Ireland taking on the Barbarians on Thursday night there are quite a number of Leinster players involved in both squads and we look at potential head to heads with club mates set to go up against each other at Thomond Park.

Zane Kirchner v Rob Kearney

Leinster’s two fullbacks will battle it out on Thursday night with Kirchner looking to get the better of his team mate. Since Kirchner signed for Leinster two years ago he has struggled to play in his more familiar role at fullback and has played a number of games on the wing with Kearney currently Leinster’s first choice to play at 15. Thursday's game will be an opportunity for Kirchner  to show potential new Leinster coaches that he should be Leinster’s first choice fullback for next season.

Jimmy Gopperth v Ian Madigan

Gopperth’s Leinster adventure might be over but it will still be an interesting battle between him and Ian Madigan. They played alongside each other for most of last season with Gopperth playing at outhalf with Ian Madigan at inside centre. It is still not known where Madigan will play but it should be exciting to see the two Leinster 10’s from last season come up against each other.


Shane Jennings v Rhys Ruddock

After recently bringing the curtain down on his Leinster career Shane Jennings will captain the Barbarians in what is set to be his final Rugby Union appearance. With Jennings determined to lead his side to victory he could be set to go to war with his former Leinster team mates Rhys Ruddock. This will be quite an important game for Ruddock who will look to impress the Ireland coaching staff after missing the second half of the season through injury.

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