Sexton To Captain Leinster Against Wasps
Ahead of the Captain’s Run this afternoon, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named his team to face Wasps at the Ricoh Arena in European Champions Cup round 6 on Saturday (kick-off 3.15pm).
There are 11 changes to the side that beat Bath last time out, with only Zane Kirchner, Dave Kearney, Rhys Ruddock and Jordi Murphy retained in the starting line-up for the trip to Coventry.
With Rob Kearney coming in to full-back, Kirchner moves to the right wing from the number 15 slot last week, with Dave Kearney continuing on the left wing.
Noel Reid and Luke Fitzgerald pair up in the centre with Eoin Reddan and Jonathan Sexton selected together at half-back. Having been announced as one of the vice-captains at the start of the season, Sexton will captain Leinster for the first time in what will be his 100th start in 121 provincial appearances.
All three front row players were named in the Ireland RBS 6 Nations squad announced on Wednesday, as Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin and Martin Moore all start tomorrow against Wasps.
Devin Toner and Ruddock join forces in the second row as Ruddock starts for the eleventh time this season, playing the full 80 minutes in each game so far.
In the back row, Dominic Ryan, Murphy and Jamie Heaslip complete the pack as Leo Cullen’s men look to finish their European campaign on a high.
The bench includes three players who were named in the Ireland squad this week, including the 22-year-old uncapped back rower Josh van der Flier, while Cathal Marsh is in line to make his European debut if introduced as a replacement.
LEINSTER (v Wasps): Rob Kearney; Zane Kirchner, Luke Fitzgerald, Noel Reid, Dave Kearney; Jonathan Sexton (capt), Eoin Reddan; Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Martin Moore, Devin Toner, Rhys Ruddock, Dominic Ryan, Jordi Murphy, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Peter Dooley, Michael Bent, Ross Molony, Josh van der Flier, Isaac Boss, Cathal Marsh, Ben Te’o.