Leinster and Munster Revamp Teams for Exciting Croke Park Derby Showdown

As Leinster and Munster prepare for their much-anticipated URC clash at Croke Park, both teams are making significant changes to their line-ups. Scheduled for Saturday at 5:15 PM, this derby promises to be an exciting encounter.

Team Changes Ahead of the Derby

Leinster is implementing seven changes following their victory against the Sharks last weekend. Munster, on the other hand, is making ten alterations after their narrow win over Edinburgh.

Leinster’s Line-up Adjustments

Leo Cullen welcomes back four British & Irish Lions players ahead of the match. Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Furlong, Rónan Kelleher, and James Lowe are set to return, joining the squad after a solid performance that saw Leinster defeat the Sharks 31-5 at Aviva Stadium.

• Captain: Jack Conan
• Notable Returnees: James Ryan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Garry Ringrose

Furthermore, Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter are named in the replacements. In a pivotal position, Sam Prendergast will step in at outhalf, replacing Harry Byrne, who is sidelined due to a minor back injury. He’ll be paired with Gibson-Park in the halfback line.

Munster’s Strategic Changes

Munster also sees the return of key players, including Tadhg Beirne, who will captain the side. Beirne is joined by Jack O’Donoghue and Brian Gleeson in the back row.

• Key Player: Tadhg Beirne
• Outhalf Matchup: Jack Crowley faces Sam Prendergast

Sam Daly, Alex Smith, and Tadhg Abrahams complete the backline, while scrumhalf Ethan Coughlan partners with Crowley, as Craig Casey remains out with a hamstring injury. RG Snyman, fresh off a Rugby Championship victory with South Africa, will start alongside Ryan in the second row for Leinster.

Expected Match Line-ups

Leinster’s Starting XV

• J. Osborne
• T. O’Brien
• G. Ringrose
• R. Henshaw
• J. Lowe
• S. Prendergast
• J. Gibson-Park
• P. McCarthy
• R. Kelleher
• T. Furlong
• R. Snyman
• J. Ryan
• A. Soroka
• J. van der Flier
• J. Conan (captain)

Munster’s Starting XV

• S. Daly
• A. Smith
• T. Farrell
• F. Kelly
• T. Abrahams
• J. Crowley
• E. Coughlan
• M. Milne
• D. Barron
• J. Ryan
• E. Edogbo
• F. Wycherley
• T. Beirne (captain)
• J. O’Donoghue
• B. Gleeson

Conclusion

This match promises to be a thrilling contest as both Leinster and Munster revamp their teams for the exciting Croke Park derby showdown. Fans can expect a display of high-level rugby and strategic prowess from both sides.