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Leinster ring the changes for European dead rubber

Leo Cullen has announced his Leinster team for tomorrow's game against Bath, as six players are s...



Leinster ring the changes for...
Rugby

Leinster ring the changes for European dead rubber

Leo Cullen has announced his Leinster team for tomorrow's game against Bath, as six players are set to make their first starts in European competition.

It is very much a mix of youth and experience with Garry Ringrose, Luke McGrath, Peter Dooley, James Tracy, Tadhg Furlong and Ross Molony - making their first European starts with three of them still in the Leinster Academy and with Peter Dooley and Ross Molony making their full European debuts. 

Zane Kirchner, the 31 times capped Springbok comes in at full-back, with Isa Nacewa captaining from the right wing and Dave Kearney, who scored two tries last weekend against the Ospreys, on the left.

In the centre, Ben Te'o and Garry Ringrose are once again selected having performed well together in the recent Interpro victory over Connacht, while in the half-backs Luke McGrath makes his first European start in what will be his 38th cap for the province, alongside Ian Madigan.

It's a new-look front row with Peter Dooley, James Tracy and Tadhg Furlong starting for the first time in the Champions Cup. Similar to McGrath, Furlong has 39 Leinster caps to his name to date, but tomorrow will be his first European start having come off the bench in six European games up until now scoring one try against Castres last season. Furlong has also been capped three times by Ireland. 

Mike McCarthy is joined by Ross Molony in the second row while in the back row Rhys Ruddock starts at blind side flanker, with Josh van der Flier on the open side. Jordi Murphy completes the pack from number eight.

Leinster team and replacements to play Bath:

(15-9): Zane Kirchner, Isa Nacewa (capt), Garry Ringrose, Ben Te'o, Dave Kearney, Ian Madigan, Luke McGrath

(1-8): Peter Dooley, James Tracy, Tadhg Furlong, Ross Molony, Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier, Jordi Murphy. 

Replacements (16-23): Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Marty Moore, Tom Denton, Sean O'Brien, Eoin Reddan, Johnny Sexton, Noel Reid.

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