Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named his team for Saturday afternoon’s GUINNESS PRO12 clash with Cardiff Blues at the RDS (kick-off 3pm). Tickets for the game are still on sale on www.leinsterrugby.ie.
After two weekends with no GUINNESS PRO12 action, Leo Cullen has been able to recall a number of players that had been out through injury. Isa Nacewa comes back in to captain the side on the left wing, with Adam Byrne on the right and Joey Carbery continuing at full-back.
Noel Reid is selected in the number 12 jersey for the 14th time this season. His midfield partner this week is Rory O’Loughlin who returns from a shoulder injury. Luke McGrath and Ross Byrne start together as half-back for the first time since the New Year’s Eve win over Ulster.
In the pack, Cian Healy returns from Ireland Six Nations duty to pack down beside fellow internationals Richardt Strauss and Michael Bent. Ross Molony and Hayden Triggs will link up in the second row.
Fresh from his Six Nations debut against England last weekend, Dan Leavy returns to provincial duty at blindside flanker, with Josh van der Flier back from a shoulder injury at openside.
Rhys Ruddock will start at number 8 for only the second time this season. His first appearance at the base of the scrum was also against Cardiff in October where he scored the only try of the game.
LEINSTER (v Cardiff Blues): Joey Carbery; Adam Byrne, Rory O’Loughlin, Noel Reid, Isa Nacewa (capt); Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath; Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss, Michael Bent, Ross Molony, Hayden Triggs, Dan Leavy, Josh van der Flier, Rhys Ruddock.
Replacements: James Tracy, Peter Dooley, Mike Ross, Mick Kearney, Max Deegan, Jamison Gibson Park, Tom Daly, Fergus McFadden.
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