LEINSTER HEAD COACH has tasked 22-year-old scrum-half Luke McGrath with leading Leinster in tomorrow’s Pro12 meeting away to the Dragons (19.05, TG4).
With 38 appearances for his province, McGrath is by no means the most experienced man in the 23 tomorrow, but receives the honour after another impressive season of development in the playmaking position.
Flier Adam Byrne will make his first start for the province on the wing, three years after becoming Leinster’s youngest player on his debut at 18.
Three academy forwards will hope to make their debut off the bench in Rodney Parade tomorrow evening as props Jeremy Loughman and Oisin Heffernan join Peadar Timmins among a replacements bench that includes Isaac Boss, Ian Madigan and Richardt Strauss.
Inside Byrne, Leinster’s midfield will again consist of Garry Ringrose and Ben Te’o, with Fergus McFadden likely to take some kicking responsibilities off the shoulders of Cathal Marsh.
The pack sees another opportunity for the men who impressed most in the Champions Cup win over Bath: Peter Dooley, James Tracy and Ross Molony join Michael Bent in a tight five bolstered by Hayden Triggs’ return from injury.
Leinster (v Dragons)
15. Zane Kirchner
14. Adam Byrne
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Ben Te’o
11. Fergus McFadden
10. Cathal Marsh
9. Luke McGrath (Capt.)
1. Peter Dooley
2. James Tracy
3. Michael Bent
4. Ross Molony
5. Hayden Triggs
6. Dominic Ryan
7. Dan Leavy
8. Jordi Murphy
Replacements:
16. Richardt Strauss
17. Jeremy Loughman
18. Oisín Heffernan
19. Tadhg Beirne
20. Peadar Timmins
21. Isaac Boss
22. Ian Madigan
23. Noel Reid
