Sean O’Brien is back in competitive rugby action as Jack McGrath leads Leinster against Benetton on Saturday night.
Head coach Leo Cullen is able to welcome back a number of players from injury as his side look to cement their place at the top of Conference B of the Guinness PRO14. Carlow’s Ed Byrne starts from the bench.
With two games remaining they have a four point cushion over nearest rivals the Scarlets with a home Semi-Final the prize for the team that finishes top after 21 rounds of PRO14 action.
Jack McGrath will captain the side from loose head, with Richardt Strauss at hooker and Andrew Porter selected at tight head. Behind them Ross Molony and Ian Nagle are the second row combination.
O’Brien returns to the back row
In the back row there is a welcome return for Seán O’Brien from a shoulder injury picked up against Scarlets last month. O’Brien also missed the entire of Ireland’s Natwest 6 Nations grand slam-winning campaign. Joining the Tullow Tank in the back row are Jordi Murphy and Max Deegan.
In the backs Jordan Larmour makes his first appearance for Leinster since appearing off the bench for Ireland in the Grand Slam decider against England in March. The former St. Andrew’s man has recovered from a calf injury and makes his 17th appearance of the season from full back.
Fergus McFadden and Barry Daly occupy the right and left wings with Noel Reid and Rory O’Loughlin the centre combination.
In the half backs Jamison Gibson-Park is joined by Joey Carbery for his first start òf the season at number ten.
Tickets for the last home game of the Guinness PRO14 regular season are are still on sale at leinsterrugby.ie.
Leinster Rugby v Benetton Rugby
15. Jordan Larmour (16)
14. Fergus McFadden (167)
13. Rory O’Loughlin (39)
12. Noel Reid (98)
11. Barry Daly (24)
10. Joey Carbery (32)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (47)
1. Jack McGrath (127) CAPTAIN
2. Richardt Strauss (153)
3. Andrew Porter (24)
4. Ross Molony (61)
5. Ian Nagle (17)
6. Jordi Murphy (102)
7. Seán O’Brien (115)
8. Max Deegan (18)
16. James Tracy (60)
17. Ed Byrne (22)
18. Michael Bent (104)
19. Mick Kearney (33)
20. Peadar Timmins (11)
21. Nick McCarthy (23)
22. Ross Byrne (46)
23. Adam Byrne (36)
