Leinster to Face Bulls in Pretoria

Leinster is set to take on the Bulls in Pretoria with a revamped lineup, featuring several key changes. Leo Cullen has made three adjustments to his side for the BKT United Rugby Championship meeting. The province will be without the majority of their Ireland Six Nations squad members, but they have called upon Jack Boyle and Jimmy O’Brien to start, along with Thomas Clarkson and Ciarán Frawley who are named on the bench.

The front row remains unchanged from their previous win against Cardiff, with Jack Boyle, John McKee, and Rabah Slimani starting. RG Snyman replaces Brian Deeny in the second row, joining Diarmuid Mangan. James Culhane starts at number 8, with Max Deegan shifting to the blindside and Will Connors retained at seven.

The half-back partnership remains unchanged, with Luke McGrath captaining the team at scrum-half and Ross Byrne at out-half. Jordie Barrett replaces Charlie Tector in the centre, with Hugh Cooney and Jimmy O’Brien in the backfield.

The replacements include Ivan Soroka, who will make his second Leinster appearance off the bench, with a 6:2 split of forwards and backs.

Leinster: Jimmy O’Brien; Tommy O’Brien, Hugh Cooney, Jordie Barrett, Andrew Osborne; Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath (capt); Jack Boyle, John McKee, Rabah Slimani; Diarmuid Mangan, RG Snyman; Max Deegan, Will Connors, James Culhane

Replacements: Stephen Smyth, Ivan Soroka, Thomas Clarkson, Brian Deeny, Alex Soroka, Scott Penny, Fintan Gunne, Ciarán Frawley

Connacht Prepares for Ospreys Clash

Connacht has made three changes to their team for their match against the Ospreys in Swansea. Denis Buckley, captain Joe Joyce, and Josh Murphy come in to the side as they aim to secure their third consecutive win. Buckley is joined by Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier in the front row, with Darragh Murray completing the tight five.

The back row sees Shamus Hurley-Langton start at openside flanker with Paul Boyle at number 8. The backline remains unchanged, with Caolin Blade and Josh Ioane at half-back, and Cathal Forde and Hugh Gavin at centre. Shayne Bolton and Finn Treacy play on the wings with Piers O’Conor at full-back.

The bench features a 6:2 split, with Sean Jansen wearing the number 23 jersey.

Connacht: Piers O’Conor; Finn Treacy, Hugh Gavin, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton; Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier; Darragh Murray, Joe Joyce (capt); Josh Murphy, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Paul Boyle.

Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Temi Lasisi, Sam Illo, Oisín Dowling, David O’Connor, Matthew Devine, JJ Hanrahan, Sean Jansen.

Ulster Names Ireland Internationals for Dragons Clash

Ulster has named Ireland internationals Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, and Stuart McCloskey for their match against the Dragons in Newport. There are two changes to the forward pack, with O’Toole starting at tighthead prop and David McCann at blindside flanker. Loosehead prop Callum Reid and hooker Herring join O’Toole in the front row.

Alan O’Connor continues to captain the side, with Matthew Dalton starting alongside him in the second row. Joining McCann in the back-row, Nick Timoney is at openside flanker, with James McNabney retaining the number 8 jersey. Nathan Doak starts at scrum-half alongside academy out-half Jack Murphy.

The backfield remains unchanged, with Jacob Stockdale and Michael Lowry on the wings, and Stewart Moore at full-back. McCloskey is in line for his 199th Ulster appearance, starting at inside centre alongside James Hume at outside centre.

The bench features John Cooney, who will depart the province for Brive at the end of this season, along with Kiwi Aidan Morgan and Sevens star Zac Ward. John Andrew, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Kieran Treadwell, and Reuben Crothers are the forward reinforcements.

Ulster: Stewart Moore; Michael Lowry, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak; Callum Reid, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole; Alan O’Connor (capt), Matthew Dalton; David McCann, Nick Timoney, James McNabney.

Replacements: John Andrew, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Kieran Treadwell, Reuben Crothers, John Cooney, Aidan Morgan, Zac Ward.

FAQs

Who are the key players starting for Leinster against the Bulls?

The key players starting for Leinster include Jimmy O’Brien, Jordie Barrett, and RG Snyman.

What changes has Connacht made for their match against the Ospreys?

Connacht has made three changes, bringing in Denis Buckley, captain Joe Joyce, and Josh Murphy.

Who are the Ireland internationals starting for Ulster against the Dragons?

The Ireland internationals starting for Ulster include Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, and Stuart McCloskey.

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Did You Know?

Leinster’s recent win against Cardiff was their 16th consecutive victory in all competitions.

Call to Action

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