2 days ago
Prendergast starts, key duo return as Cullen names Leinster side to face Bulls in URC Grand Final
Leo Cullen has named his Leinster side to take on the Vodacom Bulls in the BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final on Saturday at Croke Park (kick-off, 5pm).
There are two changes to the starting XV from Saturday's 37-19 win over Glasgow Warriors, with Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier returning.
Jack Conan captains the team once again, with Ryan Baird lining up at blindside flanker with van der Flier on the other side.
Joe McCarthy and James Ryan continue their partnership in the second row with Andrew Porter and Thomas Clarkson scrumming down either side of Dan Sheehan.
Ringrose partners Jordie Barrett in the centre, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast the half-backs.
Tommy O'Brien and James Lowe continue on the wings with Jimmy O'Brien named at full-back once more.
Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, and Rabah Slimani provide the front row reinforcements with RG Snyman and Max Deegan providing their muscle from the bench.
Jamie Osborne moves to the replacements alongside Luke McGrath and the departing Ross Byrne, who is set to make his 186th and final appearance for Leinster.
Leinster: J O'Brien; T O'Brien, G Ringrose, J Barrett, J Lowe; S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Clarkson; J McCarthy, J Ryan; R Baird, J van der Flier, J Conan - captain.
Replacements: R Kelleher, J Boyle, R Slimani, RG Snyman, M Deegan, L McGrath, R Byrne, J Osborne.
Vodacom Bulls: W le Roux; C Moodie, D Kriel, H Vorster, S de Klerk; J Goosen, E Papier; JH Wessels, J Grobbelaar, W Louw; C Wiese, JF van Heerden; M van Staden, R Nortje - captain, M Coetzee.
Replacements: A van der Merwe, A Tshakweni, M Smith, J Kirsten, N Carr, Z Burger, K Johannes, D Williams.
Referee: A Piardi.
