Leinster ‘A’ Side Confirmed For Cross Keys Game
The Leinster ‘A’ team to face Cross Keys in round 3 of the British & Irish Cup at Donnybrook on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm) has been named.
This will be the first in a double header of fixtures against the Welsh Premiership side, as the province’s British & Irish Cup defence continues.
Fresh from his involvement with the senior squad last weekend against the Scarlets in the RaboDirect PRO12, Luke McGrath links up at half-back alongside his fellow former St. Michael’s College man Cathal Marsh. Colm O’Shea partners Jordan Coghlan in midfield.
Up front there is an experienced look to the pack, with captain Dominic Ryan joining Dan Leavy and Leo Auva’a in the back row.
Quinn Roux starts in the second row alongside Ben Marshall, with Jack O’Connell named in the front row alongside hooker Bryan Byrne and Wexford tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong.
Both teams have picked up wins against Moseley and Ealing Trailfinders so far in this season’s competition – Girvan Dempsey’s charges won at home to Ealing (49-8) and away to Moseley (24-22) in some less than favourable weather conditions.
Tries from number 8 Auva’a, Sam Coghlan Murray and Darragh Fanning – who are all included in the starting line-up for Saturday’s game – made sure of the victory over Moseley, with some excellent kicking from out-half Marsh securing the 24-22 success.
Entry to Donnybrook costs €;10 for adults and €;5 for children. Admission is free for Leinster Season Ticket holders.
LEINSTER ‘A’ (v Cross Keys): Darren Hudson; Sam Coghlan Murray, Colm O’Shea, Jordan Coghlan, Darragh Fanning; Cathal Marsh, Luke McGrath; Jack O’Connell, Bryan Byrne, Tadhg Furlong, Ben Marshall, Quinn Roux, Dominic Ryan (capt), Dan Leavy, Leo Auva’a.
Replacements: James Tracy, Peter Dooley, Ross Molony, Jack Conan, Adam Byrne, Ross Byrne, Andrew Boyle.