First Leinster XV of season could have big implications for Ireland’s World Cup plans

Very intriguing....

While most of Ireland's summer stars are absent, it provides an opportunity for the second-choice players to stake their claim, and makes for some fascinating subplots which will evolve throughout the season.

The most intriguing match-day 23 is Leinster's - who travel to Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, to face the Lions (kick-off, 12.30pm).

The first selection that stands out is that of Andrew Porter, who is allowed to play having been injured for Ireland's summer tour.

However, he is not in his usual position of loosehead prop, but is on the opposite side at tighthead.

Porter has transitioned between both sides of the scrum throughout his career; initially playing at loosehead at U20s, before switching to tighthead after a few games at senior level, and then moving back to the No 1 jersey in 2021.

It has been mooted that he could potentially switch once again - he had a brief cameo at 3 against Connacht in January - in order to best utilise Ireland's resources.

If all goes to plan with his development, there is a strong chance that Paddy McCarthy will be Ireland's first choice by the time the World Cup roles around, with Tom O'Toole has impressing since his switch from tighthead, while Jack Boyle is due to make a leap in his progress if he gets a run of game time with Leinster.

On the other side of the scrum, Tadhg Furlong and Finlay Bealham have regressed since the Lions tour, and while Tom Clarkson is on the rise, he has not hit the heights of McCarthy or O'Toole in green.

Porter's main obstacle to another switch, is the fact that Leinster do have significant depth at tighthead, with Furlong, Clarkson and the youthful Niall Smyth.

But with those three also named in the Leinster touring party to South Africa, it is telling that Porter gets the nod.

The other most notable selection is that of Casper Gabriel at out-half.

The 20-year-old Austrian has been the most talked about prospect in the country over the last couple of seasons, and despite just five minutes of game time last season, he get the start over Harry Byrne, after impressing in pre-season.

If he can move ahead of Byrne and continue to 'live up to the hype', it will secure his 'bolter' status for the World Cup.

Munster are heading into this season from a low place, having regressed each year since their URC title win in 2023, while suffering from the fallout of the coaching fiasco involving Roger Randle and Mike Prendergast, and having to battle a seemingly constant string of major injuries.

There are certain players who could bring an immediate change to the mood, however, with Marnus van der Merwe, Kieran Brookes and Evan O'Connell providing a new look to the front five, as they face Glasgow Warriors on Saturday (kick-off, 5.30pm).

Van der Merwe - who has been capped three times by the Springboks - arrived from the Scarlets during the summer, and is the signing at hooker that Munster have craved for years.

The singning of Brookes in the off season was not met with quite as much enthusiasm - he is not a Springbok and is also 36 - but if he can significantly improve the Munster scrum, it could completely change their outlook for the year.

O'Connell has excelled at every level he's been thrown in at, and is the quintessential Munster soldier, with incredible heart combined with old-school lock attributes and the athleticism of a modern player - another man to put in the World Cup 'bolter' category.

The unexpected sudden rise of out-half Charlie O'Shea will continue, while Brian Gleeson - who has serious Ireland ambitions - will be disappointed not to start.

Ulster are the province with the most to look forward to, given how they performed over the past 12 months (despite missing out on Champions Cup rugby).

They face Edinburgh in a Friday evening clash at Ravenhill (kick-off, 7.45pm).

As with all the Irish teams, including the national side, so much rides on the front row, with it being an area where we have been weak across the board.

Argentina's Eduardo Bello has the potential to be a world-class signing, with his injury record seen as the main obstacle.

Should he stay fit, it will allow Tom O'Toole to play at loosehead and soften the blow of losing Angus Bell, who has returned to Australia.

New signing Eli Snyman - who has been capped by South Africa U20s - also adds beef to the tight-five, while James McNabney will be looking to regain his starting jersey after missing the entirety of last season.

In the backline, the selection of former Leinster winger, Aitzol Arenzana-King, is a feel-good subplot, following a disappointing few years at his home province.

After starring for Ireland U20s in 2022, the 6ft 3in flyer looked a sure bet to get senior Ireland caps in the near future. But while younger prospects cruised ahead of him at Leinster, he has clearly found his feet up north.

After a great pre-season, it is strange to see Matthew Devine benched, but he has been known to wreak havoc against tired legs.

Connacht meet the Stormers at the Sportsground tomorrow evening (kick-off, 7.45pm).

Loosehead Francois van Wyk joins the race to crown the best front row singing of the season.

Finn Treacy is also primed for a big season, with his pace and footballing skills marking him out as a future international.