The Leinster versus Leicester Tigers game is scheduled for 8pm at the Aviva Stadium, with live coverage on RTÉ/TNT Sports. Leo Cullen reveals yet another week of brotherly rivalry in the Leinster outhalf lineup, with Ross Byrne announced for this week and his brother Harry taking the field last week against the Bulls. Ross’ position as a starter in the crucial last 16 Champions Cup knockout match against Leicester has been confirmed, a choice that clearly affords Cullen some pleasure.
The matchup will see Ross and his teammate Jamison Gibson-Park taking on Handre Pollard, the 2019 World Cup victor, and Jan van Poortfliet, the England scrumhalf. Van Poortfliet was absent during last year’s World Cup in France due to injury. Considering Leicester’s proclivity towards a powerful kicking game, Cullen’s selection could be decisive. Harry and Ciarán Frawley will be on standby on the Leinster’s bench.
Cullen pronounced the selection competition favourable, underlining the necessity for it. He commended Ross for his management of the team, and although the decision was a close-call, the advantage of Ross’ performance could not be ignored. He remarked how Harry and Ross have a great synergy, with Ross having been substituted in last week. Cullen indicated they will be playing with a different combination this week, reminding that it’s not only about the player who starts the game; a notion that has evolved in recent times.
He added that Jordan Larmour and Jamie Osborne, in partnership with centre Robbie Henshaw, have earned a starting place owing to their recent performance. Larmour has been repositioned to the wing as the usual Irish Fullback, Hugo Keenan recovers from a hip injury that had him sidelined during the last Six Nations game against Scotland.
Despite being named man of the match last Friday when he was a substitute in RDS, Jack Conan hasn’t been included. Instead, Cullen opted for a backrow comprised of Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, and the team’s captain, Caelan Doris, who celebrated his 26th birthday this week.
Cullen has noted that Garry Ringrose will be slightly off this week, while Hugo Keenan may provide a lift for the team. Robbie Henshaw seemed to be alright after getting a knock the previous week and anticipates a good performance from Henshaw. Cullen is happy to have Keenan back, commenting on his consistent excellence and leadership in the team. He predicts that Keenan’s recent training will be beneficial moving forward.
However, Leicester will be competing without some of their premier athletes, such as George Martin from England and Tommy Reffell from Wales, who are not a part of the travelling group. While their absence may be seen as a disadvantage, Cullen also highlights their parallel absence of James Ryan and Ringrose, who are international names and co-captains of Leinster.
Further, Leicester’s force in the game involves strong forward pressure and disruption which has been variably successful. Their current ranking is seventh in the Premiership. Saturday’s game could be impacted by the weather, with an impending storm, Kathleen, likely to pass prior to the beginning of the game, potentially influencing the playing conditions.
Cullen states that he will not predict the weather implications on the game, and will deal with it as it arises, considering it an external influence outside of Leinster’s control. He emphasises the importance of adaptability, particularly considering these knockout stages and the RDS’s exposure.
The player to watch from Leicester is Dan Kelly, a once selected Irish under-20 international who last played for England against Canada at Twickenham in 2021. The three-year lapse since his last selection, which aligns with the global Rugby “quarantine” period for players considering changing national teams, makes him one to watch. He will be playing alongside Solomone Kata in the midfield.
“Cullen has recognised the prowess and talent of a robust competitor, predicting that they could prove a serious challenge. He expects the strong, tenacious player to confront us directly in tomorrow’s game, using his physical strength to gain the upper hand. He also noted their densely built midfield that could keep us on our toes. It’s crucial for us to be prepared for such an intense contest.
In Welford Road last year, Leinster claimed a victory over Leicester during the pool phase. The team that played then had Ringrose, in good health, alongside co-captain Ryan and Harry Byrne in a key position of number 10. Not forgetting, the same back row took the starting line. Cullen has a slightly different game plan this time, though, Leinster’s DNA remains the same, which is their main backbone.
Leinster’s lineup consists of H Keenan, J Larmour, R Henshaw, J Osborne, J Lowe, R Byrne, J Gibson-Park, A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong, R Molony, J McCarthy, R Baird, J Van der Flier, C Doris and a few replacements. Leicester Tigers, on the other hand, have J Shillock, F Steward, D Kelly, S Kata, O Hassell-Collins, H Pollard, J van Poortvliet, J Cronin, J Montoya (capt), D Cole, H Wells, K Hatherell, H Liebenberg, O Cracknell, J Wiese, and a series of substitutes. The game will be officiated by Referee: P Brousset (FRU).”