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Prendergast and Henshaw start as Leinster make 10 changes
By Ian Cameron
Sam Prendergast and Robbie Henshaw return to Leinster’s starting line-up for their United Rugby Championship clash against the Emirates Lions at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
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Prendergast – fresh from three appearances for Emerging Ireland – takes the number ten jersey alongside Luke McGrath at scrum-half.
Meanwhile Henshaw makes his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury. The Ireland centre slots into the midfield alongside Hugh Cooney, who earns his first start following a debut off the bench in last weekend’s 33-12 victory over Connacht.
Leinster Head Coach Leo Cullen has made ten changes to the starting XV, which includes three Academy players. Andrew Osborne and Gus McCarthy retain their places, while Cooney is promoted to the starting line-up. Hugo Keenan continues at full-back, with James Lowe returning on the wing, opposite Osborne.
In the pack, Gus McCarthy starts in the front row alongside Michael Milne and Rabah Slimani. Ryan Baird, making his first start of the season, partners last week’s Player of the Match, RG Snyman, in the second row. Caelan Doris, recently named Ireland captain for the autumn internationals, leads the side from number eight, with Max Deegan and Josh van der Flier on the flanks.
The replacements bench features Academy hooker Stephen Smyth, who retains his spot, along with props Andrew Porter and Thomas Clarkson. Brian Deeny and James Culhane complete the forward cover, while backs Ross Byrne, Charlie Tector and Cormac Foley are also named. Foley could make his first competitive appearance of the season.
Leinster: Hugo Keenan, Andrew Osborne, Hugh Cooney, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Sam Prendergast, Luke McGrath, Michael Milne, Gus McCarthy, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Ryan Baird, Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (Captain)
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Replacements: Stephen Smyth, Andrew Porter, Thomas Clarkson, Brian Deeny, James Culhane, Cormac Foley, Ross Byrne, Charlie Tector