male category
united-rugby-championship
Leinster has implemented significant alterations to their lineup for the eleventh round of the BKT United Rugby Championship, featuring a squad notably devoid of its Irish national team players who are presently engaged in Six Nations preparations within the Algarve region.
Chief coach Leo Cullen has unveiled a roster emphasizing player rotation and fresh chances for the impending Saturday encounter against Edinburgh at Aviva Stadium, as the provincial club navigates a demanding period absent its international representatives.
Only three individuals from the initial fifteen players who triumphed over Stuart Lancaster’s Connacht at the Dexcom remain in the current starting formation.
Prominently featured new additions include Rieko Ioane taking a position in the midfield alongside newcomer Ciarán Mangan, concurrently with the formidable Springboks second-rower RG Snyman rejoining the forward pack. He will be paired with Brian Deeny.
Luke McGrath assumes the captaincy role from the scrum-half position, while Charlie Tector moves into the fly-half jersey following his Player of the Match performance in the inside centre role against Connacht during the previous weekend.
Ciarán Mangan is poised to commence his inaugural match for Leinster after an initial appearance as a substitute facing Zebre Parma in October, simultaneously, Ruben Moloney secures his first senior starting spot on the wing. Joshua Kenny and Andrew Osborne, positioned at full-back, complete the back three alongside him.
In the forward line, Andrew Sparrow will make his initial start as tighthead prop, accompanied by John McKee at hooker and Jerry Cahir anchoring the loosehead position.
Max Deegan and Scott Penny will be positioned on either side of Diarmuid Mangan, who occupies the No. 8 spot. This particular role is unfamiliar territory for the 6’6, 120kg Mangan, who typically operates as a second-row or blindside flanker, having never featured in this position for Leinster at the senior grade previously.
Among the reserve players, Niall Smyth is named following his initial appearance in the preceding week.
Gus McCarthy at hooker and Alex Usanov constitute the remaining members of the front row. Conor O’Tighernaigh, Josh Ericson, and Will Connors offer coverage for both the back-row and second-row in a 6/2 configuration, with Fintan Gunne and Hugo McLaughlin rounding out the squad of 23 for the match.
“Edinburgh represents a rather unified group,” commented Leinster’s assistant coach, Robin McBryde. “I anticipate they will be feeling the sting from their outcome last weekend. They will also be eager to conclude this current phase on a positive note.”
“Achieving a win prior to any interval is consistently beneficial, as the outcome tends to linger. Therefore, it’s going to be quite challenging. Our focus must be on enhancing specific facets of our play from the previous Saturday and truly dedicating ourselves.”
Leinster:
15. Andrew Osborne
14. Joshua Kenny
13. Rieko Ioane
12. Ciarán Mangan
11. Ruben Moloney
10. Charlie Tector
9. Luke McGrath
1. Jerry Cahir
2. John McKee
3. Andrew Sparrow
4. RG Snyman
5. Brian Deeny
6. Max Deegan
7. Scott Penny
8. Diarmuid Mangan
Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy
17. Alex Usanov
18. Niall Smyth
19. Conor O’Tighearnaigh
20. Josh Ericson
21. Will Connors
22. Fintan Gunne
23. Hugo McLaughlin
