Returning internationals strengthen Leinster pack

Returning internationals strengthen Leinster pack

 

Head coach Leo Cullen has made a number of changes from the Leinster XV that went to Glasgow for tomorrow night’s trip to Edinburgh.
Zane Kirchner, a try scorer last week in Glasgow, moves to fullback with Dave Kearney remaining on the left wing. Isa Nacewa starts on the right wing and will captain the side on what will be his 150th appearance for Leinster.
Noel Reid and Garry Ringrose form the centre partnership for the third consecutive game while in the half backs Jamison Gibson-Park makes his first Leinster start at scrum half with Joey Carbery outside him.
A number of returning internationals mean changes to the pack, with Jack McGrath and Sean Cronin coming into the front row alongside Mike Ross to form a very experienced unit.

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Jack McGrath returns to the Leinster pack.

In the second row Devin Toner comes in to partner Mike McCarthy while in the back row Jamie Heaslip scrums down at number eight for the first time this season with Jordi Murphy at blind side and Dan Leavy at open side.
Cullen also confirmed that Rob Kearney's scan on Monday had come back relatively positive and that the 30 year old full back has not picked up a long term injury. He has though suffered a grade two PCL knee injury which will keep him sidelined for the next few rounds of the PRO12.
Edinburgh v Leinster in BT Murrayfield on Friday September 16 - kick off: 7.35pm.
Leinster team: 15. Zane Kirchner. 14. Isa Nacewa (captain), 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Noel Reid, 11. Dave Kearney, 10. Joey Carbery, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park; 1. Jack McGrath, 2. Sean Cronin, 3. Mike Ross, 4. Devin Toner, 5. Mike McCarthy, 6. Jordi Murphy, 7. Dan Leavy, 8. Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: 16. Bryan Byrne, 17. Cian Healy, 18. Tadhg Furlong, 19. Ross Molony, 20. Josh van der Flier, 21. Luke McGrath, 22. Cathal Marsh, 23. Rory O’Loughlin.