By:
Conor Martin
Leinster have named their side to take on Bayonne in round 4 of the Investec Champions Cup at Stade Jean-Dauger on Saturday, and it’s a side packed with milestones, comebacks, and fresh faces
Leinster are already through to the last 16 and will be looking for a fourth win if they win Pool 3; then they’ll have home advantage in the knockouts.
https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/2012132831141487047
Elsewhere in the Champions Cup, Munster must beat Castres if they’re to keep their European dream alive.
James Ryan hits a landmark 50th Champions Cup appearance, while Caelan Doris will captain Leinster once more as he nears the century mark with 99 appearances across all competitions.
The back row is reshuffled, with Max Deegan coming in alongside Josh van der Flier and Doris at number eight, one of eight changes from last weekend’s thrilling 25-24 victory over Stade Rochelais at the Aviva.
RG Snyman back in the Leinster line-up at last
In the engine room, RG Snyman makes his eagerly awaited return since early December, partnering Ryan in the second row. Jack Boyle, Rónan Kelleher, and Tadhg Furlong form a new-look front row, bringing fresh energy to the scrum.
Out wide, Jimmy O’Brien returns at full-back for the first time in over a month, with Tommy O’Brien and Joshua Kenny providing pace and flair on the wings. The side blends experience, milestone makers, and newcomers, all ready to tackle the challenge at Stade Jean-Dauger.
Leinster have solid cover in the replacements. for the Bayonne game
Garry Ringrose returns to the centres with Robbie Henshaw, while Harry Byrne starts at out-half after last week’s winning kick, with Jamison Gibson-Park at 9.
Dan Sheehan, Jerry Cahir, and Thomas Clarkson provide front-row cover, joined by Joe McCarthy and Scott Penny in the forwards. Luke McGrath and Sam Prendergast back up the half-backs, with Rieko Ioane completing the 23.
Leinster will be looking to build on last week’s hard-fought win, using this mix of skill, strength, and hunger to secure back-to-back Champions Cup victories.
With key players returning and exciting changes throughout the pack, Saturday promises an electric encounter that could set the tone for the rest of their European campaign.
Leinster team to play Bayonne
Leinster: Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Joshua Kenny, Harry Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jack Boyle, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, RG Snyman, James Ryan, Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (Captain)
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Jerry Cahir, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Scott Penny, Luke McGrath, Sam Prendergast, Rieko Ioane
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