JOSH VAN DER Flier has been named to start for Leinster as they prepare for their return Champions Cup fixture against Exter Chiefs on Saturday in the Aviva Stadium [KO 3.15pm, BT Sport].
Van Der Flier comes in to replace Rhys Ruddock, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
That change means Seán O’Brien will swap to the blind side, with the rest of the team remaining in place from their win over the Aviva Premiership champions last weekend.
Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden and captain Isa Nacewa take up their positions in the back three with Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose partnering up in midfield.
Luke McGrath and Johnny Sexton will be given the nine and ten jerseys again, while Cian Healy Seán Cronin and Tadhg Furlong occupy the front row. Devin Toner and Scott Fardy will be positioned behind them.
The back row sees O’Brien and van der Flier joined by try scorer from last week, Jack Conan.
On the bench there are two changes with Andrew Porter in line to make his Champions Cup debut should he be introduced, while Dan Leavy has shaken off a hamstring injury to take his place in the match day 23.
Leinster
15. Rob Kearney
14. Fergus McFadden
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Isa Nacewa (c)
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Luke McGrath
1. Cian Healy
2. Seán Cronin
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. Scott Fardy
6. Seán O’Brien
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan
Replacements
16. James Tracy
17. Jack McGrath
18. Andrew Porter
19. James Ryan
20. Dan Leavy
21. Jamison Gibson-Park
22. Ross Byrne
23. Jordan Larmour
Referee: Pascal Gauzere
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