Byrnes In For Leinster Debut
Australian recruit Adam Byrnes is to make his competitive debut for Leinster as they look for their first win of the Celtic League against Glasgow tomorrow.
Michael Cheika showing the signs of a rough training session
Australian recruit Adam Byrnes is to make his competitive debut for Leinster as they look for their first win of the Celtic League against Glasgow tomorrow.
CELTIC LEAGUE: Saturday, September 10
Leinster v Glasgow Warriors, Donnybrook, 5.00pm
The talented 24-year-old, who joined the province from the Eastern Suburbs in the summer, will partner Ben Gissing at second row as new coach Michael Cheika bids for his first win at Donnybrook. It should be more than manageable considering the fact that the Warriors have only beaten Leinster once in nine previous meetings.
Cheika has made several changes to the side that lost 22-20 to the Ospreys last Sunday. Besides Byrnes’ inclusion ahead of Des Dillon, John Lyne comes into the front row for Ronan McCormack while former Ireland Under-21 captain Jamies Heaslip, following an impressive second half cameo in Swansea, starts at number 8 in place of injured Ireland flanker Eric Miller (slight ankle strain).
In the backs, Guy Easterby, a substitute last weekend, starts at scrum-half, while Ireland Under-19 skipper Rob Kearney shifts from the right wing to the left to accomodate the return of Gary Brown. Brendan Burke loses out.
Felipe Contepomi captains Leinster again with Brian O’Driscoll a long-term absentee and last season’s skipper Reggie Corrigan still out with a hand injury.
Cheika said of tomorrow’s opponents: “I have had a look at them (Glasgow) from last year and they are quite competitive. I am very surprised at how much they throw the ball around so it is going to be an interesting battle for us. We need to make a step up from last week’s game.”
Glasgow have made five changes for the trip to Dublin – included in their line-up is former Dungannon and Ulster forward Tim Barker, who will be making his first League appearance for the Scots.
LEINSTER: Girvan Dempsey; Gary Brown, Kieran Lewis, Felipe Contepomi (Capt), Robert Kearney; Christian Warner, Guy Easterby; John Lyne, Bernard Jackman, Will Green, Adam Byrnes, Ben Gissing, Ciaran Potts, Keith Gleeson, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Emmett Byrne, David Blaney, Simon Crawford, Niall Ronan, Brian O’Meara, Eoghan Hickey, Brendan Burke.
GLASGOW: Colin Shaw; Rory Lamont, Andy Craig, Scott Barrow, Mike Roberts; Dan Parks (Capt), Sam Pinder; Euan Murray, Scott Lawson, Lee Harrison, Tim Barker, Craig Hamilton, Steve Swindall, Andrew Wilson, Paul Dearlove.
Replacements: Fergus Thomson, Stuart Corsar, Dan Turner, John Barclay, Graeme Beveridge, Calvin Howarth, Graeme Morrison.
Referee: Phil Fear (Wales)