LEO CULLEN has made sweeping changes to his Leinster side for this evening’s URC clash with the Sharks in Durban.
Superstars RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett are out as the Blues chief has made eight changes in personnel, with one eye on next week’s Champions Cup last-16 meeting with Harlequins at Croke Park.
Max Deegan captains the Blues at Kings Park, while Fintan Gunne starts at No 9 for the first time after making 11 appearances off the bench.
Gunne will form a half-back partnership with Ciarán Frawley.
The back three of Andrew Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and Jimmy O’Brien is unchanged from last week’s defeat by the Bulls, a loss which ended the Blues’ 16-game winning run.
Charlie Tector and Liam Turner are named in the centre.
Cullen has chosen a front row of Cian Healy, John McKee and Thomas Clarkson.
Will Connors remains after his fine display last week, with Deegan and Alex Soroka making up the back row.
LEINSTER: J O’Brien; T O’Brien, L Turner, C Tector, A Osborne; C Frawley, F Gunne; C Healy, J McKee, T Clarkson; D Mangan, B Deeny; A Soroka; W Connors, M Deegan.
Reps: L Barron, M Milne, R McGuire, A Spicer, S Penny, O Coffey, R Byrne.
What TV channel is Sharks vs Leinster on?
This evening’s clash will be shown live on RTE Two so you also have the free streaming platform of the RTE Player to avail of.
Kick-off will be at 5:15pm Irish time.
What are the odds?
The home side are heavy favourites at 1/6 while the Irish province are out at 4/1.
A draw is set at 22/1 while the handicap is +/-11 points.
