LEINSTER’S IMPRESSIVE STRENGTH in depth is underlined by the fact they have been able to name a strong team for tomorrow’s British and Irish Cup final against Ealing Trailfinders.
All but one of the province’s starting XV has featured in the Guinness Pro14 this season, with coach Noel McNamara able to call upon experienced players such as Ian Nagle and Mick Kearney, as well as Ireland international Adam Byrne.
Leinster ‘A’ will again be captained by Bryan Byrne, with the Carlow native joined in the front row by brother Ed and Vakh Abdaladze, while Nagle and Kearney make up the second row pairing.
Josh Murphy, Peadar Timmins and Max Deegan make up a powerful back row unit having featured regularly for the senior team this term, as Leinster bid to win the competition for the third time.
In the back line, Ciarán Frawley moves from fullback to out-half and will be partnered in the half-backs by Charlie Rock, who last week helped Lansdowne to the AIL title at the Aviva Stadium.
Jack Kelly — the only player in the side yet to make a senior appearance for the province — comes in to start in the 15 shirt, with Tommy O’Brien and Byrne once again selected on the wings.
Conor O’Brien and Gavin Mullin will continue their midfield partnership in the final, which gets underway at 2pm and will be streamed live on Leinster Rugby Facebook page.
Peter Dooley, Jack Aungier, Caelan Doris and Will Connors are among those named on the bench, while Hugh O’Sullivan and Tom Daly provide the back line cover.
Leinster ‘A’:
15. Jack Kelly
14. Adam Byrne
13. Gavin Mullin
12. Conor O’Brien
11. Tommy O’Brien
10. Ciarán Frawley
9. Charlie Rock
1. Ed Byrne
2. Bryan Byrne (captain)
3. Vakh Abdaladze
4. Mick Kearney
5. Ian Nagle
6. Josh Murphy
7. Peadar Timmins
8. Max Deegan
Replacements:
16. Sean McNulty
17. Peter Dooley
18. Jack Aungier
19. Caelan Doris
20. Will Connors
21. Hugh O’Sullivan
22. Tom Daly
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Would Leinster just feck off with their ridiculous depth in almost every position? It’s getting annoying at this stage.
In all seriousness though they set the bar when it comes to the way professional teams should be run. I can see a few of these pushing for the starting XV next season (Deegan, A Byrne, Murphy).
@Jamie Concannon: not stopping until we have at least 15 Byrnes
@SPQH: and a full bench of O’Briens.
@Jamie Concannon: definitely Deegan and Josh Murphy. Through a combination of form and injury, Conan has had a pretty mediocre 2018. I don’t think that #8 jersey is necessarily his next season. Jordi Murphy leaving is difficult pill to swallow. Leinster are gonna miss him real bad. Josh Murphy is an exceptional talent. Even in a very competitive back row, he’s in the best club to develop. Can’t wait to see how he goes next year.
@grandslamkbo: with the emergence of Leave and JVDF, it might make more sense to move SOB to 8 if he is fit.
@Johnny 5: As much as I love O’Brien, I wouldn’t be making any grand plans for him now. Every time he’s fit is a bonus. Just keep picking the best players available and if he does return, then we can talk about him.
@Jamie Concannon: Great depth in many positions but there is a serious lack in the second row and also not many out and out 7s coming through.
I’m excited to see what Jack Kelly can do for the seniors next season. He looked a serious athlete at Schools Cup and Irish U20 level before injury and could really kick on if Carbery moves on this Summer.
Will be at this Final tomorrow, come on Leinster!
Last time this trophy is available and a win makes Leinster the most successful in its relatively short lifespan
Only 22 players named ! They’ll do well to beat Ealing, who came 2nd in their championship, beat Jersey home and away and – I think – were the only team to beat Bristol.
@Glenbower: I’d be surprised if that team doesn’t beat an English championship team handily. Huge drop off from premiership to championship in the rugby – as London welsh and others have found.
@Augustus hoop: Maybe, but Leinster A only beat Jersey with the last kick of the game after being shunted around and after a miracle comeback of 21 points in the last 7 minutes (?) and Ealing are better than Jersey, so at least we can predict that it won’t be a training canter for either team !
Leadership seems to be so important – when Leinster seniors field too many of these very good young players, the team looks a bit rudderless, whereas no doubt Ealing will have some gnarled veterans providing leadership.
Shane O’Leary and Peter Lydon are playing for Ealing tomorrow; for next year they have recruited several Irish players.
Ealing only have 22 in the squad too, so that’s obviously the rule.
@Augustus hoop: u must be surprised cause they just got whooped….beaten comprehensively
Is Dave Kearney injured?