NEW SIGNING JOE Tomane will make his debut for Leinster in tomorrow’s Guinness Pro14 opener against Cardiff Blues at Cardiff Arms Park [KO 7.35pm, eir Sport/Premier Sports/TG4].
The powerful Wallaby-capped back has been handed an opportunity to impress in the 12 shirt for Leinster’s first competitive game of the new season, with Ross Byrne named at out-half and Rhys Ruddock captaining the team from the blindside flank.
The promising 20-year-old Caelan Doris will get his first start for the province, having made his debut off the bench against Connacht towards the end of last season.
After impressing for the Ireland U20s over the course of two seasons at that level, Doris’ potential is exciting for Leinster.
Meanwhile, Dave Kearney has been named at fullback in a back three that also includes fellow Ireland international Adam Byrne and last season’s Pro14 top try-scorer Barry Daly.
Rory O’Loughlin joins Tomane in midfield, while Luke McGrath partners Byrne in the halfbacks.
Peter Dooley, James Tracy and Michael Bent form the front row, with Ross Molony teaming up with the influential Scott Fardy in the locking department. Ruddock is joined by Josh Murphy and Doris in the back row.
Included among the replacements are Ireland internationals Andrew Porter and Fergus McFadden, while Noel Reid is set to provide out-half cover for Byrne.
Cardiff Blues have named former Ulster number eight Nick Williams in their side to take on Leinster, with the excellent openside Ellis Jenkins leading the XV in his new role as club captain.
Lock Rory Thornton, wing Jason Harries and tighthead prop Dmitri Arhip make their Pro14 debuts for the Welsh region.
Leinster:
15. Dave Kearney
14. Adam Byrne
13. Rory O’Loughlin
12. Joe Tomane
11. Barry Daly
10. Ross Byrne
9. Luke McGrath
1. Peter Dooley
2. James Tracy
3. Michael Bent
4. Ross Molony
5. Scott Fardy
6. Josh Murphy
7. Rhys Ruddock (captain)
8. Caelan Doris
Replacements:
16. Bryan Byrne
17. Ed Byrne
18. Andrew Porter
19. Mick Kearney
20. Max Deegan
21. Jamison Gibson-Park
22. Noel Reid
23. Fergus McFadden
Cardiff Blues:
15. Matthew Morgan
14. Jason Harries
13. Willis Halaholo
12. Rey Lee-Lo
11. Owen Lane
10. Jarrod Evans
9. Lloyd Williams
1. Brad Thyer
2. Kristian Dacey
3. Dmitri Arhip
4. Seb Davies
5. Rory Thornton
6. Josh Turnbull
7. Ellis Jenkins (captain)
8. Nick Williams
Replacements:
16. Rhys Gill
17. Ethan Lewis
18. Scott Andrews
19. George Earle
20. Olly Robinson
21. Tomos Williams
22. Steve Shingler
23. Garyn Smith
Referee: Nigel Owens [WRU].
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