Team News: Munster at full strength, Ryan and Doris return for Leinster
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The teams for this weekend's Round 1 Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup clash between Munster and Leinster have been named.
- Ireland international Garry Ringrose returns for Leinster and will captain the side from outside centre
- Peter O’Mahony will skipper a very strong-looking Munster team that is seeking a long-awaited win over Leinster
LEINSTER
There is a welcome return from injury for a number of players with Garry Ringrose one of those returning after an ankle injury and leading the side out at the RDS Arena. Jordan Larmour is selected at full back, with Dave Kearney on the right wing and James Lowe on the left.
In the centre Rory O’Loughlin moves to the number 12 jersey, with Ringrose as captain outside him. In the half-backs, Hugh O’Sullivan starts at scrum half with Harry Byrne at out-half. In the pack, Ed Byrne, Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter are the front row for Cullen’s side, with Ross Molony and Ryan Baird in the second row. Finally, the back row sees Josh Murphy and Scott Penny on the flanks with Penny back from a hand injury and the fit again Caelan Doris at No 8
MUNSTER
Captain Peter O’Mahony returns having recovered from a thigh injury with fellow Ireland international Shane Daly also slotting into the starting XV. With seven changes to the squad that faced Toulouse in the Champions Cup last time out, Diarmuid Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Keynan Knox, Ben Healy and Calvin Nash are named among the replacements. Mike Haley starts at full-back with Keith Earls and Daly on either flank.
Damian de Allende and Chris Farrell form the centre partnership with Conor Murray and Joey Carbery in the half-backs. Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room. O’Mahony, Jack O’Donoghue and CJ Stander complete the starting XV.
Line Ups
Leinster: Jordan Larmour, Dave Kearney, Garry Ringrose (CAPT), Rory O’Loughlin, James Lowe, Harry Byrne; Hugh O’Sullivan, Ed Byrne, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter, Ross Molony, Ryan Baird, Josh Murphy, Scott Penny, Caelan Doris
Replacements: Seán Cronin, Peter Dooley, Michael Bent, James Ryan, Scott Fardy, Cormac Foley, Ciarán Frawley,Tommy O’Brien.
Munster: Mike Haley; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Damian de Allende, Shane Daly; Joey Carbery, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O'Mahony (CAPT), Jack O'Donoghue, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Keynan Knox, Fineen Wycherley, Gavin Coombes, Craig Casey, Ben Healy, Calvin Nash.
Leinster v Munster – KO 19:35
RDS Arena, Dublin
Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU, 8th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Sean Gallagher, Eoghan Cross (both IRFU)
TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU)
Live on eir Sport 1, Premier Sports 1, Super Sport (SA), ESPN+ (USA), pro14.tv.
Deferred Coverage: 21:45 TG4