Munster and Leinster have both made changes and loaded up their teams ahead of Saturday’s much-anticipated URC meeting at Croke Park.
A figure of well over 70,000 is expected at the northside Dublin venue for the first meeting between the two at the stadium since 2009.
Both sides are coming off comfortable wins last weekend and will now face off once again in front of the largest crowd by far in the league’s history.
Hugo Keenan of Leinster is tackled by Eoghan Clarke of Munster during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park in Limerick. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Leinster, first of all, have made three changes from last weekend’s win over Benetton. James Ryan comes back into the team and will pair up with RG Snyman, who is only months removed from his switch from Munster.
Lee Barron slots in as hooker alongside the prop pair of Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong.
The backline sees just a single change with Liam Turner taking a spot on the wing to make up a back three alongside James Lowe and Hugo Keenan.
Leinster return to Croke Park for their meeting with Munster. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Munster, meanwhile, have made four changes of their own. Alex Nankivell returns from a shoulder injury having missed the last two games.
Seán O’Brien starts on the wing after his exploits away in South Africa for the Emerging Ireland tour.
Gavin Coombes comes in at 8 while Stephen Archer makes it appearance number 286 with his spot at tighthead.
Johnny Sexton, Leinster. Heineken Cup Semi-Final, Munster v Leinster, Croke Park, Dublin. Pic: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
Munster boast three academy stars among their replacements while Gus McCarthy returns to the Leinster bench following his Emerging Ireland duties.
Leinster team
Hugo Keenan; Liam Turner, Garry Ringrose, Jamie Osborne, James Lowe; Ciarán Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Lee Barron, Tadhg Furlong; RG Snyman, James Ryan; Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (c)
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Harry Byrne
Munster team
Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (c); Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Kieran Ryan, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Ruadhán Quinn, Conor Murray, Tony Butler, Shay McCarthy.
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