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Ringrose moved for Barrett as Leinster mix-up backline for Bath
By Ian Cameron
Garry Ringrose has been moved to the wing for Leinster’s clash with Bath in Round 4 of the Investec Champions Cup at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
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The Ireland centre normally plays 13 but appears to have been moved to the right wing to accommodate Jordie Barrett in the midfield. The All Black will start at inside centre, making just his second appearance in the position for Leinster after featuring there against Connacht earlier this season.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has made five changes to the team that defeated La Rochelle last weekend. Hugo Keenan returns to the starting fifteen for the first time since October, slotting in at full-back alongside Ringrose and Jamie Osborne in the back three.
Barrett pairs with Robbie Henshaw in the midfield, while Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park continue as the half-backs.
Andrew Porter and Rabah Slimani come into the front row with Rónan Kelleher retaining his place at hooker. James Ryan and Joe McCarthy remain as the second-row pairing, while Josh van der Flier stays at openside flanker.
Jack Conan takes over as captain and starts at No.8. Max Deegan returns at blindside.
The bench features academy hooker Gus McCarthy, veteran loosehead Cian Healy and Thomas Clarkson as front-row cover. RG Snyman and Caelan Doris offer additional options in the pack.
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Jimmy O’Brien is named as outside back cover, while Ross Byrne and Luke McGrath provide depth at half-back.
Leinster are expecting a crowd of nearly 40,000 at the Aviva for the 5:30 pm kick-off.
Leinster Rugby Starting XV:
15. Hugo Keenan
14. Garry Ringrose
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Jordie Barrett
11. Jamie Osborne
10. Sam Prendergast
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Andrew Porter
2. Rónan Kelleher
3. Rabah Slimani
4. Joe McCarthy
5. James Ryan
6. Max Deegan
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan (C)
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, RG Snyman, Caelan Doris, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jimmy O’Brien
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Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
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