As Six Nations fever subsides, we’ve got the Champions Cup quarter-finals to look forward to and Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor has named a strong XV for their clash with Bath at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.
Former rugby league sensation Ben Te’o has been named at 13 alongside Ian Madigan.
Isaac Boss has been rewarded with a starting place after his double on his introduction last week. He partners Jimmy Gopperth in the half backs while Rob Kearney starts at full back with Luke Fitzgerald and Fergus McFadden on either wing.
The Leinster front row is strong enough to rival any in world rugby with hooker Sean Cronin flanked by Cian Healy and the reinstated Mike Ross.
Likely the most satisfying name on the teamsheet comes with the returning Sean O’Brien who hasn’t played for Leinster since the opening day of the season.
He starts in a back row complete with Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy, Jordi Murphy and captain Jamie Heaslip returning at number 8.
15. Rob Kearney
14. Fergus McFadden
13. Ben Te’o
12. Ian Madigan
11. Luke Fitzgerald
10. Jimmy Gopperth
9. Isaac Boss
1. Cian Healy
2. Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Mike McCarthy
6. Jordi Murphy
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip (captain)
Replacements:
16. Richardt Strauss
17. Jack McGrath
18. Marty Moore
19. Tom Denton
20. Dominic Ryan
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Gordon D’Arcy
23. Zane Kirchner
Referee: Jerome Garces [France].
