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Leinster roll out 6'10, 138kg giant against Sharks but 2 superstars missing
By Ian Cameron
Leinster have left Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman out of their matchday 23 for Saturday’s clash with the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban – but they won't lack for size in Kings Park.
Towering second row Alan Spicer, who measures 6ft 10in and weighs in at 138kg, is set to make his Leinster debut off the bench and is one of the few athletes playing the game larger than Bok teammate RG Snyman, who is missing from the 23.
The 20-year-old, a first-year Academy player, is among the replacements named by Leo Cullen as the province looks to bounce back from defeat to the Bulls.
Spicer's selection marks a significant moment for the former Belvedere College student. He was part of this year’s Ireland U20 Six Nations squad but missed the tournament through injury. A product of Malahide Minis and now playing with UCD in the AIL, his inclusion signals Leinster’s continued faith in youth.
Barrett, who joined Leinster on a short-term deal in April, and World Cup-winning Springbok RG Snyman are both notable omissions. Neither features in the matchday squad, with Cullen opting for Diarmuid Mangan and Brian Deeny in the second row.
There are eight changes to the starting XV from last weekend’s loss in Pretoria. Max Deegan captains the side from number eight, while scrum-half Fintan Gunne is handed his first senior start after 11 appearances off the bench. He partners Ciarán Frawley in the half-backs.
The back three of Andrew Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and Jimmy O’Brien remains unchanged. Charlie Tector and Liam Turner form the midfield.
Up front, Cian Healy, John McKee and Thomas Clarkson start in the front row. Will Connors retains the seven jersey following his Player of the Match display at Loftus Versfeld. He is joined in the back row by Deegan and Alex Soroka.
Ross Byrne, Scott Penny, and Academy pair Oliver Coffey and Henry McErlean offer experience and energy from the bench.
LEINSTER:
15. Jimmy O’Brien
14. Tommy O’Brien
13. Liam Turner
12. Charlie Tector
11. Andrew Osborne
10. Ciarán Frawley
9. Fintan Gunne
1. Cian Healy
2. John McKee
3. Thomas Clarkson
4. Diarmuid Mangan
5. Brian Deeny
6. Alex Soroka
7. Will Connors
8. Max Deegan CAPTAIN
REPLACEMENTS
16. Lee Barron
17. Michael Milne
18. Rory McGuire
19. Alan Spicer
20. Scott Penny
21. Oliver Coffey
22. Ross Byrne
23. Henry McErlean
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