Sam Prendergast starts as Leinster face Lions in top four URC clash

British & Irish Lions lock James Ryan returns to captain Leinster for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with the Lions, while Sam Prendergast is handed a start at out-half after being used off the bench in last weekend’s win over Toulon.

Leo Cullen’s men find themselves in the slightly unusual position of having to fight for a top-four finish and facing the third-placed Lions, will be eager for an effective 10-point table swing should they beat the Jo’burg outfit in Dublin with a bonus point.

Ryan’s inclusion is the headline change in the pack, with the Ireland lock set to make his 107th appearance for the province. He partners Brian Deeny in the second row.

In the backline, Prendergast is restored to the No.10 jersey having provided impact as a replacement in Europe. He links up with Luke McGrath in a settled half-back pairing, while Jamie Osborne returns at inside centre alongside Rieko Ioane.

There is no return for Tadhg Furlong, who again misses out as he continues to deal with injury issues having also been absent for the Toulon fixture. Andrew Porter drops to the bench, with Ed Byrne promoted to start at loosehead alongside John McKee and Thomas Clarkson.

Leinster’s back three sees Ciarán Frawley at fullback, with Joshua Kenny and Jimmy O’Brien selected on the wings.

The back-row unit is reshaped by the return of Max Deegan. He comes in at blindside flanker.

Will Connors starts on the openside, with James Culhane continuing at No.8.

The bench contains a number of established internationals, including the aforementioned Porter, Dan Sheehan and Rabah Slimani.

Hugo Keenan is also held in reserve, alongside Fintan Gunne and Hugh Cooney.

Leinster Rugby XV
15. Ciarán Frawley
14. Joshua Kenny
13. Rieko Ioane
12. Jamie Osborne
11. Jimmy O’Brien
10. Sam Prendergast
9. Luke McGrath
1 Ed Byrne
2. John McKee
3. Thomas Clarkson
4. Brian Deeny
5. James Ryan (c)
6. Max Deegan
7. Will Connors
8. James Culhane

Replacements
16. Dan Sheehan
17. Andrew Porter
18. Rabah Slimani
19. Diarmuid Mangan
20. Scott Penny
21. Fintan Gunne
22. Hugh Cooney
23. Hugo Keenan