LEINSTER HEAD COACH Leo Cullen has selected both James Lowe and Scott Fardy to start tomorrow’s Heineken Champions Cup final against Saracens (kick-off, 17.00, Virgin Media, Channel 4, BT) with Jamison Gibson Park missing out with a knock.
The ‘three-into-two’ rule prevented the brilliant Kiwi wing Lowe from playing a part during last season’s European final win over Racing 92 in Bilbao, but he will hope to follow on his excellent showing against Toulouse in the semis.
Tadhg Furlong will make his 100th appearance for Leinster, packing down beside Sean Cronin. The hooker has shaken off the calf injury sustained at the Aviva Stadium against Toulouse, the Limerick man is level atop the try-scoring charts in this season’s tournament, with only Jacob Stockdale matching his six tries.
On the bench, Ulster-bound prop Jack McGrath is included in the squad ahead of Ed Byrne, while Hugh O’Sullivan deputises Luke McGrath.
Jonathan Sexton will captain his side from out-half with Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose again bringing their international partnership to the European final.
Sean O’Brien will wear Leinster’s number 7 shirt for the last time in European competition.
Leinster (v Saracens, Heineken Champions Cup final 2019)
15. Rob Kearney
14. Jordan Larmour
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. James Lowe
10. Johnny Sexton Captain
9. Luke McGrath
1. Cian Healy
2. Seán Cronin
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. James Ryan
6. Scott Fardy
7. Seán O’Brien
8. Jack Conan
Replacements
16. James Tracy
17. Jack McGrath
18. Michael Bent
19. Rhys Ruddock
20. Max Deegan
21. Hugh O’Sullivan
22. Ross Byrne
23. Rory O’Loughlin
Gavan Casey, Murray Kinsella and Bernard Jackman tee up Saturday’s Champions Cup final and look at the backroom problems in Munster.:
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