Leinster name strong side as Cullen rings the changes for Scarlets clash

Dan Sheehan scores a try for Leinster in the Champions Cup quarter-final win against La Rochelle. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Leinster have named a strong side as they look to bounce back from defeat to the Glasgow Warriors, with Leo Cullen showing no hesitation in his team selection ahead of the clash with the Scarlets.

Cullen has brought in a whole new front row, consisting of the returning Andrew Porter, who lines up alongside his Ireland international teammates Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong. Joe McCarthy returns to the second row, while there is no room for RG Snyman, who is set to be sidelined for a few weeks after a knee scan. Alongside McCarthy is 26-year-old Brian Deeny.

At blindside flanker, Max Deegan gets the nod. Deegan has been in excellent form in recent months and will be looking to continue his strong run of games. The international duo of Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris complete the back row. In the backline, Jamison Gibson-Park starts at scrum-half, alongside Harry Byrne at out-half. Byrne is another player in strong form and will be aiming to continue that as he lines up at number 10. In midfield, Jamie Osborne has shifted from fullback to inside centre (12), where he partners Garry Ringrose at 13.

Into the back three, and there is serious pace. Joshua Kenny gets the nod again on the left wing. After scoring last week, Kenny showed just how dangerous he can be in open space. From one speedster to another, Tommy O'Brien lines up on the right wing, having impressed during the Six Nations period. At fullback is Jimmy O'Brien, another dangerous runner who will be looking to get on the scoresheet.

The bench also offers a strong mix of impact and experience, with Robbie Henshaw providing cover in the backline if called upon. Sam Prendergast will be aiming to control the game more effectively this week after coming under pressure last time out. While the likes of Rabah Slimani add experience to the front row, there is also youthful energy on the bench, with players such as Fintan Gunne and Alex Soroka ready to make an impact, while Conor O'Tighearnaigh provides further cover in the second row.

Substitutes:

16: Gus McCarthy, 17: Jerry Cahir, 18: Rabah Slimani, 19: Conor O’Tighearnaigh, 20: Alex Soroka, 21: Fintan Gunne, 22: Sam Prendergast, 23: Robbie Henshaw