Leinster Rest Key Players Ahead of Crucial Champions Cup Clash
Dublin, Ireland – In preparation for their upcoming Investec Champions Cup fixture, Leinster have decided to rest several of their star players for their URC clash against Ulster this Saturday at Kingspan Stadium.
Following Leinster’s convincing 61-14 victory over Ospreys, head coach Leo Cullen has opted to leave out many of the province’s and Ireland’s regular starters for the trip to Belfast. However, hooker Rónan Kelleher and versatile back Jimmy O’Brien have retained their places in the starting lineup, with O’Brien shifting to the centers.
The decision to rotate the squad comes as Leinster look to manage their resources ahead of the crucial European encounter against Toulouse at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next weekend. Cullen has been boosted by the return of key players James Ryan and Hugo Keenan, who will start against Ulster after recovering from respective bicep and hip injuries.
Ulster Eager for Provincial Bragging Rights
“They are building in confidence with their results and performances in recent weeks,” said Leinster assistant coach Andrew Goodman of their Ulster counterparts. “My experience of these games is that they are usually one-score matches. There will be plenty of pressure moments, and we need to come out on top of them.”
Ulster, currently scrapping to improve their league position ahead of the URC playoffs, will be desperate to secure a win over their provincial rivals. Leinster, on the other hand, are determined to maintain their top-of-the-table status in the competition.
Leinster XV
- Cian Healy (275)
- Rónan Kelleher (59)
- Michael Ala’alatoa (67)
- James Ryan (79) CAPTAIN
- Brian Deeny (16)
- Max Deegan (110)
- Will Connors (47)
- Jack Conan (143)
- Cormac Foley (18)
- Harry Byrne (66)
- Rob Russell (30)
- Charlie Ngatai (24)
- Jimmy O’Brien (77)
- Tommy O’Brien (32)
- Hugo Keenan (64)
Replacements:
16. John McKee (26)
17. Michael Milne (38)
18. Thomas Clarkson (38)
19. Ross Molony (179)
20. Scott Penny (69)
21. Luke McGrath (207)
22. Sam Prendergast (15)
23. Ben Brownlee (8)
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