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Lions duo return but Leinster again bench superstar for URC final
By Ian Cameron
Leinster welcome back two of their British & Irish Lions for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final against the Bulls at Croke Park, with Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier both named in the starting XV.
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Head coach Leo Cullen has made just two changes to the side that dispatched Glasgow Warriors 37–19 in last weekend’s semi-final, with Ringrose returning at outside centre to partner Jordie Barrett in midfield, and van der Flier slotting in at openside flanker.
Jack Conan captains the side from No.8, forming a back row with Ryan Baird at blindside and van der Flier at seven. Joe McCarthy and James Ryan continue in the second row, while Andrew Porter and Thomas Clarkson pack down either side of Dan Sheehan in the front row.
The back three of Tommy O’Brien, James Lowe and full-back Jimmy O’Brien remains unchanged, while Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park resume their roles as the starting half-backs.
Despite previous criticism for not starting his best side in big games, Cullen has opted to bench RG Snyman. Cullen received a lot of flak in the aftermath of his side’s Investec Champions Cup final defeat to Northampton Saints for not starting Jordie Barrett.
However, the Leinster boss has once again chosen to start one of his biggest stars on the bench – albeit it’s a role that Snyman has prospered in all season.
The Bok superstar will be used from the bench alongside Max Deegan, while Ross Byrne is in line to make his 186th and final appearance for the province before departing this summer.
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Jamie Osborne and Luke McGrath complete the backline options.
Kick-off at Croke Park is set for 17:00 local time (18:00 SA), with the game broadcast live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1.
Leinster:
15. Jimmy O’Brien
14. Tommy O’Brien
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Jordie Barrett
11. James Lowe
10. Sam Prendergast
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Thomas Clarkson
4. Joe McCarthy
5. James Ryan
6. Ryan Baird
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan – Captain
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher
17. Jack Boyle
18. Rabah Slimani
19. RG Snyman
20. Max Deegan
21. Luke McGrath
22. Ross Byrne
23. Jamie Osborne
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