LEINSTER HEAD COACH Leo Cullen has made wholesale changes for Saturday’s Guinness Pro14 derby against Ulster, with Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney both handed starts.
Cullen has made a total of 12 changes from last week’s victory over Glasgow Warriors in the Champions Cup, with O’Brien set to make his second appearance of the season. The flanker will also captain the province in the absence of Isa Nacewa and Johnny Sexton.
Kearney, meanwhile, makes his return from the hamstring injury he suffered in round two against Cardiff and lines out at fullback after yesterday being named in Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad for the November internationals.
Adam Byrne, one of four uncapped players in the panel, is handed a recall with Dave Kearney making up Leinster’s back three for the inter-pro clash at Kingspan Stadium [KO 6.30pm, Sky Sports and BBC NI].
Noel Reid, Tadhg Furlong and Devin Toner are the only players to be retained from the bonus point win at Scotstoun with Sexton and Robbie Henshaw ruled out of contention after suffering knocks during the week.
Ross Byrne and Jamison Gibson-Park make up the half-back pairing while Rory O’Loughlin partners his fellow St Michael’s past pupil Reid in midfield after sitting out the last two games.
Up front, Jack McGrath replaces Cian Healy and James Tracy — who will win his 50th Leinster cap, James Ryan, Dan Leavy and Jordi Murphy are all given the opportunity to get minutes under their belt.
Leinster head to Belfast with five wins from six in the Pro14 and level on points with Ulster.
Leinster:
15. Rob Kearney
14. Adam Byrne
13. Rory O’Loughlin
12. Noel Reid
11. Dave Kearney
10. Ross Byrne
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Jack McGrath
2. James Tracy
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. James Ryan
6. Dan Leavy
7. Jordi Murphy
8. Seán O’Brien (captain)
Replacements:
16. Richardt Strauss
17. Cian Healy
18. Andrew Porter
19. Ross Molony
20. Jack Conan
21. Luke McGrath
22. Cathal Marsh
23. Jordan Larmour
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