Carlow native Tom Daly’s star continues to rise in the blue of Leinster as he’s been handed his first RDS start, in the centre, for Leinster tomorrow night.
Leo Cullen named his side earlier today for Friday night’s home clash against Glasgow Warriors.
There are a number of changes from the team that faced Clermont last Sunday in the Champions Cup Semi-Final with a number of significant milestones celebrated at the Ballsbridge venue as Leinster look to secure a top of the Guinness PRO12 table end of season finish.
Zane Kirchner will start his last regular season game in the RDS before he departs to the Newport Gwent Dragons during the summer, with Adam Byrne coming in on the right wing and Fergus McFadden continuing on the left.
UCD’s Nick McCarthy starts his first ever game for Leinster at scrumhalf with his former St. Michael’s classmate Ross Byrne outside him at ten.
In the pack Peter Dooley starts at loose head prop with James Tracy at hooker, while Mike Ross, who announced his retirement earlier this week, starts his last regular season game at the RDS at tight head.
Ross Molony will captain the side for the first time in a competitive game. He has previously captained the side in a pre-season friendly against Bath but this will be the first time leading the team out in the Guinness PRO12. Beside him, fresh from leading Clontarf to a second AIL Final in as many years last weekend, Mick Kearney slots into the second lock position.
In the back row Dominic Ryan comes in at blind side flanker, with Josh van der Flier selected at open side and Jack Conan continuing at number eight for his 50th cap in Leinster colours.
Kick off is set for 7.35pm.
Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets)
15. Zane Kirchner (86)
14. Adam Byrne (21)
13. Rory O’Loughlin (19)
12. Tom Daly (8)
11. Fergus McFadden (150)
10. Ross Byrne (21)
9. Nick McCarthy (6)
1. Peter Dooley (37)
2. James Tracy (39)
3. Mike Ross (151)
4. Ross Molony (42) CAPTAIN
5. Mick Kearney (20)
6. Dominic Ryan (112)
7. Josh van der Flier (43)
8. Jack Conan (49)
16. Richardt Strauss (144)
17. Jack McGrath (110)
18. Michael Bent (85)
19. Ian Nagle (10)
20. Dan Leavy (36)
21. Jamison Gibson-Park (26)
22. Joey Carbery (20)
23. Noel Reid (80)
