Leinster and Ulster have both named their teams for Saturday’s action in the RaboDirect PRO12.
By Declan Whooley
The Dragons will be the first visitors to the RDS as Joe Schmidt has made four changes from the side that was comprehensively beaten by the Scarlets last weekend.
Quinn Roux and Academy back-row forward Ben Marshall will make their home debuts tomorrow evening. Former Stormers lock Roux will partner Leo Cullen in the second row with Marshall picked at number six alongside Shane Jennings and Leo Auva’a in the back-row.
Sean Cronin comes into the front row while John Cooney will partner Ian Madigan in midfield with Schmidt continuing to give youth its chance.
Leinster XV v Dragons, RDS, Saturday, (KO 6.15pm): I Nacewa; A Conway, B Macken, N Reid, F Carr; I Madigan, J Cooney; J McGrath, S Cronin, J Hagan; L Cullen (c), Q Roux; B Marshall, S Jennings, L Auva’a;
Ulster travel to take on the champions Ospreys on Saturday evening at the Liberty Stadium. Coach Mark Anscombe has made three changes from the side that beat Glasgow last time out, with Declan Fitzpatrick, Niall O’Connor and Darren Cave coming into the side.
The head coach also welcomes back internationals Stephen Ferris and Andrew Trimble back to an experienced replacements bench.
Fitzpatrick comes in for John Afoa at tighthead prop while O’Connor replaces Paddy Jackson who has not recovered from his calf injury that saw him leave the field early last week. O’Connor will look to improve his kicking after an indifferent night from the tee.
The final change sees Darren Cave promoted from the bench to outside centre at the expense of Chris Farrell.
Ulster XV v Ospreys, Liberty Stadium, Saturday, (KO 6.30pm): J Payne; C Gilroy, D Cave, L Marshall, M Allen; N O’Connor, M Heaney; C Black, R Herring, D Fitzpatrick, J Muller (c), L Stevenson, R Diack, S Doyle, N Williams;
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
