Leinster have named a much-changed team as they prepare to host the Southern Kings in the RDS on Friday at 19 55.
Only eight of the players that started last weekend’s 40-24 win over Zebre have remained in the XV with Ronan Kelleher set to make his debut at hooker.
Kelleher will be joined by Ed Byrne and Andrew Porter in the front-row with the latter hoping to impress on his time away from the Irish squad.
Ross Molony captains the side from the second-row and is partnered by Mick Kearney.
The back-row is unchanged from last weekend with Josh Murphy, Max Deegan and Caelan Doris all getting the nod after strong performances.
Hugh O’Sullivan comes in at scrum-half to replace Jamison Gibson-Park, who is out of the squad completely. O’Sullivan is paired with Ross Byrne in the half-backs.
Noel Reid starts at inside centre with Conor O’Brien moving to outside centre as Rory O’Loughlin drops to the bench having started last time out.
In the back three there is a much-welcomed return to action for Fergus McFadden, who has been side-lined since October with an injury. While James Lowe’s return to the left-wing means Barry Daly shifts to full-back.
Even with a number of player’s on international duty the Blues bench still brims of experience with the likes of James Tracy, Peter Dooley, Michael Bent, Scott Fardy and Rory O’Loughlin to call upon if needed.
WATCH: Here is your 23-man #LeinsterRugby squad to face @SouthernKingsSA tomorrow evening at the RDS Arena.#JoinTheRoar: https://t.co/3KrC8WUwaw#LEIvISK #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/hrRD6Yo459
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 21, 2025
Caelan Doris who will make his 11th appearance on Friday has told the media how he is looking forward to another run out in front of the home fans but is expecting a hard game.
“Another tough physical game, it will be nice to be back in the RDS on Friday, but the Kings, we saw how dangerous they can be when we were over there. Big tough pack, and a very speedy back-three in particular,” he said.
Speaking ahead of the game Kings head coach
Deon Davids, who saw his side lose 43-0 to Munster last weekend, has called on
his players to respond.
“The players know clearly where they stand and in what areas of their game, we seek improvements. It was encouraging to see a good start against Munster – we were quite physical and created a lot of momentum, however we were also our own enemy by giving the momentum away at crucial times,” he said.
Many will be expecting Leinster to gain
another bonus-point here and continue their dominance at the top of Conference
A. However, the Kings who need every point they can get will be hoping to cause
an upset and win their first ever Pro14 away match in the process.
Whoever comes out on top will be one step closer to their goal at either end of the table.
