Get ready for a clash of titans! Leinster and Ulster are set to ignite the United Rugby Championship (URC) in a highly anticipated derby match. This isn't just any game; it's a showcase of talent, strategy, and the sheer passion of Irish rugby. But what makes this match so special? Let's dive in!
Firstly, James Ryan is set to make his 100th appearance for Leinster. A monumental achievement! He'll be joined in the starting lineup, adding experience and strength to the team.
This match marks the return to league action after the recent Investec Champions Cup ties, promising a fresh wave of intensity. The game features two exciting teams, and the match is scheduled to kick off Round Seven of the competition.
Jack Conan will captain Leinster, leading the charge from number eight, with Scott Penny and Alex Soroka flanking him. In the engine room, Ryan will partner with Brian Deeny.
There's a shake-up in Leo Cullen’s front row, with Jack Boyle and Rabah Slimani taking their positions alongside hooker Gus McCarthy.
Rieko Ioane, the All Blacks center, will make his first URC appearance outside of Charlie Tector. Sam Prendergast will partner with Luke McGrath at scrum-half.
Ciarán Frawley takes the number 15 jersey after his impressive performance off the bench last Friday, while James Lowe and Joshua Kenny will take the wings.
On the bench, Dan Sheehan, Paddy McCarthy, and Tadhg Furlong provide front-row cover, with Joe McCarthy and Max Deegan completing the forward replacements. Fintan Gunne and Harry Byrne are the reserve half-backs, and Ruben Moloney completes the matchday squad.
Ulster's Perspective
Ulster's head coach, Richie Murphy, has given Australia's Angus Bell his first start for the province.
Stuart McCloskey, an Ireland international, returns from injury to start at inside center. Ethan McIlroy is also back in the matchday squad after recovering from an ACL injury.
In the front row, Bell will be joined by Ireland international forwards Tom Stewart (hooker) and Tom O’Toole (tighthead prop). Harry Sheridan and Charlie Irvine continue their partnership in the second row.
David McCann starts at blindside flanker, with Nick Timoney captaining the team at openside flanker. South African forward Juarno Augustus starts at number eight.
Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy return to their half-back positions. The wingers, Werner Kok and Robert Baloucoune, are in top try-scoring form, each with five tries this season.
McCloskey returns to the midfield alongside Jude Postlethwaite at outside center, and Jacob Stockdale completes the XV at full-back.
Murphy has opted for a 5/3 split among the replacements, featuring a blend of experience and young talent.
The Teams
Leinster: 15 Ciarán Frawley, 14 Joshua Kenny, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Charlie Tector, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Jack Conan (c), 7 Scott Penny, 6 Alex Soroka, 5 James Ryan, 4 Brian Deeny, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Gus McCarthy, 1 Jack Boyle
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Max Deegan, 21 Fintan Gunne, 22 Harry Byrne, 23 Ruben Moloney
Ulster: 15 Jacob Stockdale, 14 Rob Baloucoune, 13 Jude Postlethwaite, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Werner Kok, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Nick Timoney (c), 6 David McCann, 5 Charlie Irvine, 4 Harry Sheridan, 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Tom Stewart, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 John Andrew, 17 Sam Crean, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Joe Hopes, 20 Bryn Ward, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Ethan McIlroy
Match Details
- Date: Friday, December 19
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
- Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 111th league game)
Where to Watch
Tune in on TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv to catch all the action!
What are your thoughts? Will James Ryan's milestone appearance be the highlight of the match? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
