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Leinster ring changes for URC quarter-final with Sharks

By Ian Cameron
Dublin , Ireland - 29 April 2023; Andrew Porter of Leinster after his side's victory in the Heineken Champions Cup Semi-Final match between Leinster and Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Leinster have made nine changes to their starting fifteen for the URC quarter-final showdown with the C Cell Sharks this weekend at the Aviva Stadium.

Fresh from victory over Toulouse in the Heineken Champions Cup, Leo Cullen's team are a mix of youth, experience and a few old veterans.

Luke McGrath has been named captain for the game, while Harry Byrne is set to make his 50th appearance for Leinster from fly-half. The experienced duo will be hoping to guide their team to victory and put to bed last year's shock loss to the Bulls in the semi-final of the same competition.

In the backline, Hugo Keenan has been named at full-back, while Jordan Larmour and Dave Kearney will provide the attacking threat on the wings. Ciarán Frawley and Charlie Ngatai will form the centre partnership for the first time this season.

The front row sees Michael Milne and Tadhg Furlong pack down either side of Dan Sheehan, with Ryan Baird and Jason Jenkins in the second row. Max Deegan and Scott Penny partner Ireland No.8 Caelan Doris in the back row.

On the bench, Joe McCarthy is set to make his return from injury.

LEINSTER TEAM: 

15. Hugo Keenan

14. Jordan Larmour

13. Ciarán Frawley

12. Charlie Ngatai

11. Dave Kearney

10. Harry Byrne

9. Luke McGrath CAPTAIN

1. Michael Milne

2. Dan Sheehan

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. Ryan Baird

5. Jason Jenkins

6. Max Deegan

7. Scott Penny

8. Caelan Doris

REPLACEMENTS: 

16. John McKee

17. Andrew Porter

18. Cian Healy

19. Joe McCarthy

20. Jack Conan

21. Jamison Gibson-Park

22. Ross Byrne

23. Liam Turner