Friday, April 29, 2016

Leinster have made a total of nine changes to the team that defeated Edinburgh two weeks ago for the trip to the Kingspan Stadium.

Dave Kearney will make his 100th appearance for the province when he starts on the left wing. His brother Rob is named at fullback with captain Isa Nacewa on the right.

Garry Ringrose returns to midfield partnership, starting at outside centre while Ben Te’o moves to inside.

Talisman Johnny Sexton is also back in the team, alongside Luke McGrath at scrum-half.

In the front row, Jack McGrath comes in to replace Cian Healy, while Tadhg Furlong starts in place of Mike Ross and Richardt Strauss is retained.

Devin Toner and Hayden Triggs are swapped into the second row in place of Ross Molony and Mick Kearney, with the latter named on the bench.

Jamie Heaslip returns to number eight, with Rhys Ruddock and Josh van der Flier on the flanks.

Ireland internationals Andrew Trimble, Stuart McCloskey and Chris Henry all return to Ulster’s starting XV for the Saturday afternoon game.

Trimble will take his place on the right wing and will be joined in the back three by Craig Gilroy and Jared Payne.

In the midfield, McCloskey will resume his partnership with Luke Marshall while Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson continue at half back.

The unchanged front row sees captain Rory Best joined by Callum Black and Ricky Lutton while Franco van der Merwe and Pete Browne are retained in the second row.

Sean Reidy moves to number eight with Henry and Iain Henderson on the flanks.

Ulster v Leinster at the Kingspan Stadium, Saturday April 30 – kick-off 3pm.

Leinster team: Rob Kearney, Isa Nacewa, Garry Ringrose, Ben Te’o, Dave Kearney, Johnny Sexton, Luke McGrath; Jack McGrath, Richardt Strauss, Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner, Hayden Triggs, Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Peter Dooley, Mike Ross, Mick Kearney, Jordi Murphy, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald.

Ulster team:Jared Payne; Andrew Trimble, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Craig Gilroy; Paddy Jackson, Ruan Pienaar; Callum Black, Rory Best, Ricky Lutton, Pete Browne, Franco van der Merwe, Ian Henderson, Chris Henry, Sean Reidy.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Kyle McCall, Andy Warwick, Robbie Diack, Roger Wilson, Paul Marshall, Stuart Olding, Darren Cave.

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