After months of tantalising build-up, All Black star Jordie Barrett is finally set to debut for Leinster Rugby in the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday. Named on the bench to face Bristol Bears, Barrett is expected to receive a warm welcome when he finally takes to the field at Ashton Gate Stadium.
Set to complete the URC season with Leinster, Barrett has found the Irish province a welcoming stay so far, with Tadhg Furlong being the first to accommodate the global star.
“It’s great to be here, I got the royal treatment, picked up at the airport by Tadhg Furlong, great to be welcomed by someone like that,” Barrett told Leinster TV when he arrived in Ireland.
“It’s nice to be able to rub shoulders with a lot of boys this week, the internationals are away so I’ve been seeing plenty of fresh faces in and around the environment and it’s a special time that I’m very much looking forward to.”
With the return of Ireland’s internationals from the Autumn Nations Series, Leinster made nine changes to the starting lineup, which secured a 27-20 victory over Ulster in Belfast last Friday. Jack Conan retains captaincy, whilst Barrett is set to make his Leinster debut from the bench.
Sam Prendergast earns the nod at fly half, following his Ireland debut in November, and will partner Jamison Gibson-Park at halfback. Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw renew their established partnership in the centres, while Ciarán Frawley is named at full-back. Jordan Larmour retains his spot from last week, with Jimmy O’Brien shifting to the wing.
In the forward pack, Max Deegan continues alongside Conan, with Josh van der Flier back from international duty to complete the back row. Joe McCarthy and James Ryan team up in the second row, while Jack Boyle and Rabah Slimani keep their starting positions from the Ulster match. Rónan Kelleher slots in at hooker.
New signing Barrett is joined on the bench by Ross Byrne and Luke McGrath, who provide halfback cover. Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson return to the matchday squad after making their Ireland debuts last month, while Andrew Porter also features on the bench.
Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):
15. Ciarán Frawley (92)
14. Jordan Larmour (111)
13. Garry Ringrose (128)
12. Robbie Henshaw (93)
11. Jimmy O’Brien (85)
10. Sam Prendergast (20)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (146)
1. Jack Boyle (13)
2. Rónan Kelleher (66)
3. Rabah Slimani (5)
4. Joe McCarthy (37)
5. James Ryan (87)
6. Max Deegan (119)
7. Josh van der Flier (147)
8. Jack Conan CAPTAIN (153)
Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy (6)
17. Andrew Porter (126)
18. Thomas Clarkson (47)
19. RG Snyman (5)
20. Caelan Doris (86)
21. Luke McGrath (217)
22. Ross Byrne (169)
23. Jordie Barrett (0)
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