Weekend Preview

This week we return to domestic action after the trials and tribulations of last weekend’s ERCC matches. With a host of stars missing on international duty, this weekend gives us a chance to look at some of the rising stars from all the home leagues.

Leinster vs Edinburgh

Tonight Leinster return to the RDS after last weekends bruising battle in the south of France, to take on Edinburgh. This is the time of the year when strength in depth is so important for sides beginning to mount a challenge, and this fact is reflected in the home sides team selection. With a number of first teamers absent, the likes of Luke McGrath, Tom Denton and Jack Conan will be looking to stand out while they can. Matt O’Connor has also named winger Luke FitzGerald in the starting line up for the second consecutive week as the mercurial talent continues his return from injury. The big news comes in the centres however, as league convert Ben Te’o makes his first appearance in the 13 jersey. A wholly different player to the man who wore the jersey so well for so many years before him, Te’o brings huge physicality to the centres, as well as wonderful handling ability through the tackle. Edinburgh are somewhat less affected by changes, with Tim Visser and David Denton both starting from the outset. Nothing other than a good win will suffice for Leinster fans, but Edinburgh will fear little travelling to Dublin.

Saracens vs Harlequins

The game of the opening weekend from the LV cup is Harlequins journey to Saracens for what has become somewhat of a derby in recent years. The London rivals have already met this season in the Aviva Premiership, when Quins were embarrassed in a 39-0 home loss to Sarries. The teams are much changed from that day, but still there will be plenty of quality on show. Internationals Jim Hamilton and Juan Figallo are named amongst a strong Saracens pack, which also includes regulars Ernst Joubert and Jacques Burger. The visitors will lineout with an unfamiliar team, with no Care, Evans, Robshaw or Monye. Luke Wallace captains the side from the flank, while the youngster Louis Grimoldby will pull the strings at ten. Follow the action live on the app from one o’clock on Saturday.

USA vs New Zealand

Fresh from their emphatic Rugby Championship victory, the All Blacks begin their end of season tour in Chicago, where they take on the ever improving USA. 60,000 people will squeeze into Soldier Field to see the return to action of a number of recently injured ABs. The most prominent member of this group is Dan Carter, who returns to the replacements bench after nearly a year on the sidelines. Aaron Cruden come back in to start at fly-half, but all eyes will be on the man playing outside him at 12. The prodigal son, Sonny Bill Williams, makes his return to Rugby Union and will be on from the outset. In US team news, the home side have named their strongest possible side having managed to secure the release of a number of high profile squad members from European leagues. Special mention must go to Seamus Kelly, the recent Cal graduate, who will make his debut opposite none other than SBW.