Leinster Rugby v Benetton Rugby: Match Preview

First plays second in this mouth-watering top of the table clash at the RDS.

Ahead of the game, Leinster’s senior coach Jacques Nienaber has been giving his thoughts on Benetton, who have lost just once in the league all season.

“They have brought in players recently that suit the soul of the team,” said the man who guided the Springboks to World Cup glory in the autumn.

“They have a style of play that has been there all season. The Italian players won’t be part of the team, so it will be tough to prepare for, but they are in the same situation as us.”

Leinster are skippered by flanker Scott Penny, while there is a debut for Academy full-back Henry McErlean who was part of the Ireland team that won last year’s U20s Six Nations. 

Jacob Umaga - normally a fly-half - lines up at full-back for Benetton, with Argentinian Tomas Albornoz at No 10, while Eli Snyman captains the team from lock.

📥 | 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬!

Here is the #LeinsterRugby team selected to face @BenettonRugby tomorrow in the #BKTURC Origin Round#LEIvBEN #FromTheGroundUp #GrassrootsToGreatness pic.twitter.com/dCiUfOszyc

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 16, 2024

🦁 I 23 #leoni convocati per la sfida di domani a Dublino contro @leinsterrugby
🏆 10º Round @URCOfficial
📅 17.02.2024

Forza ragazzi!#wearelions #benettonrugby #BKTURC pic.twitter.com/Ukpmdn8lHa

— Benetton Rugby 🦁 (@BenettonRugby) February 16, 2024