LEINSTER HAVE NAMED several changes to the team following their recent 33-22 victory over Gloucester, as they prepare to take on Northampton Saints in Saturday’s pre-season friendly in Franklin’s Gardens at 3pm.
The side includes a mixture of youth and experience with Captain Leo Cullen and fellow Ireland internationals Isaac Boss and Devin Toner featuring alongside a number of younger, less familiar faces.
Jordi Murphy and Dominic Ryan start after coming on as substitutes during last week’s game at Tallaght Stadium.
Meanwhile, Academy prop Martin Moore and two-time Heineken Cup winner Richardt Strauss take their place alongside Jack McGrath in the front row.
Another Academy player, Noel Reid, is in at half back, while Jordan Coghlan starts at inside centre for the first time beside Brendan Macken.
In addition, Heinke van der Merwe is on the bench, following the recent birth of his son.
LEINSTER: 15: Andrew Conway,14: Andrew Boyle, 13: Brendan Macken, 12: Jordan Coghlan, 11: Sam Coghlan-Murray, 10: Noel Reid, 9: Isaac Boss, 1: Jack McGrath, 2: Richardt Strauss, 3: Martin Moore, 4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN, 5: Devin Toner, 6: Dominic Ryan, 7: Jordi Murphy, 8: Leo Auva’a.REPLACEMENTS: 16: Tom Sexton, 17: Heinke van der Merwe, 18: Jamie Hagan, 19: Tom Denton, 20: Ben Marshall, 21: John Cooney, 22: Ian Madigan, 23: Collie O’Shea, 24: Fionn Carr, 25: Jack O’Connell.
