Baird returns and McGrath set for 250th appearance as team named for Edinburgh clash

Ryan Baird returns to the team for his first appearance since October, while Luke McGrath is in line to earn his 250th Leinster cap.

Baird comes into the second row alongside Joe McCarthy as one of four personnel changes to the starting XV from last week’s 36-19 win over Scarlets in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Caelan Doris captains the side once more, with Jack Conan coming in at blindside flanker and Josh van der Flier at openside.

Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong will scrum down either side of Dan Sheehan for the second week in a row.

Hugo Keenan returns to the starting XV for his second appearance of the season, as Jimmy O’Brien moving to the wing with Tommy O’Brien on the opposite side.

Jamie Osborne continues at 12 with Rieko Ioane his partner in the centre, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Harry Byrne are named as the half-backs.

Alex Usanov is in line to make his Champions Cup debut from the bench alongside Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson as the front row cover while Brian Deeny and Max Deegan complete the forward reinforcements.

McGrath will earn his 250th cap if he is introduced from the replacements, with Ciarán Frawley and Robbie Henshaw completing the matchday 23.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Hugo Keenan (77)
14. Tommy O’Brien (56)
13. Rieko Ioane (9)
12. Jamie Osborne (68)
11. Jimmy O’Brien (113)
10. Harry Byrne (85)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (165)

1. Andrew Porter (144)
2. Dan Sheehan (81)
3. Tadhg Furlong (161)
4. Joe McCarthy (58)
5. Ryan Baird (88)
6. Jack Conan (172)
7. Josh van der Flier (167)
8. Caelan Doris (101) CAPTAIN

Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy (25)
17. Alex Usanov (4)
18. Thomas Clarkson (70)
19. Brian Deeny (49)
20. Max Deegan (152)
21. Luke McGrath (249)
22. Ciarán Frawley (116)
23. Robbie Hens