Ahead of the Round 2 British & Irish Cup game against Nottingham tomorrow in Donnybrook (Kick Off: 3.00pm), Leinster Rugby ‘A’ Head Coach Hugh Hogan has announced the match day 22 to take to the field looking to build on last week’s impressive win away to Richmond.
Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie ahead of the game Hogan said, ‘”t was pleasing to get the win over in Richmond in the first round of the British & Irish Cup and there were certainly some good aspects in the game, but we know that we have to improve in several key areas this week for the visit of Nottingham. They are a side with quality through out the team and the pose threats right across the park. Ian Costello is an excellent coach and he has brought an expansive and fast paced style of game to Nottingham this season since moving from Munster. It is evident from watching their Championship matches this year that Ian has already had a big impact. Of course they have a few Irish players in their squad too, most notably Shane Buckley and Jordan Coghlan, and I’m sure they’ll be keen to impress in Donnybrook on Saturday.”
There are six changes in total to the XV that ran out 19-68 winners away in Richmond.
Clontarf’s Jack Power comes in at full back for his first taste of British & Irish Cup action this season, with Hugo Keenan again selected on the right wing and Barry Daly who got two tries last weekend on the left.
Ireland 7s captain Tom Daly comes back in after injury to take over the number 12 jersey, with UCD’s Jimmy O’Brien again in the outside centre jersey. O’Brien also went over the white wash twice in Richmond.
Two former St. Michael’s men Nick McCarthy and Ross Byrne continue in the half backs.
In the pack there are two changes in the front row with Irish international Richardt Strauss making his first appearance of the season after knee surgery at hooker. Andrew Porter also starts at loose head prop, with Jeremy Loughman continuing at tight head prop.
Having played in last week’s Champions Cup game against Castres, Ross Molony comes into the second row to partner James Ryan.
The final addition sees Josh Murphy start at blind side flanker with Peadar Timmins as captain from open side and Irish international Jack Conan selected at number eight.
Looking ahead to the game Hogan added, “We are fortunate to be able to name a team with a good blend of senior experience and talented youth. Richardt Strauss returns after a long lay off and Jack Conan again lines out at number eight after returning from injury last week. Ross Molony has a lot of senior experience and will exert a controlling influence in the pack; Tom Daly also returns at centre having had a cracking game against Ulster Ravens two weeks ago.
“It is also a brilliant learning experience for the younger guys to play with senior players and see their attention to detail and preparation first hand. First Year Academy players James Ryan, Jimmy O’Brien, Hugo Keenan and Jack Power all start while Jordan Larmour, who is still at Under 20 level, will get another opportunity from the bench. Peadar Timmins, who is in Year Three of the Academy, captains the team for the second season.
“I expect a tough challenge this week but this should be a cracking game. You are likely to see two attacking minded sides with ambition to play at pace. It is important for Leinster that we improve on our accuracy and our patience with the ball because last weeks performance is not going to be good enough this week.”
Tickets to the game are available at the gate (Adults: €;10, Students: €;5 and kids go free) and all Season Ticket Holders can avail of free entry as long as they produce their Season Ticket card to the stewards on the gate.
Leinster Rugby ‘A’
15. Jack Power
14. Hugo Keenan
13. Jimmy O’Brien
12. Tom Daly
11. Barry Daly
10. Ross Byrne
9. Nick McCarthy
1. Andrew Porter
2. Richardt Strauss
3. Jeremy Loughman
4. Ross Molony
5. James Ryan
6. Josh Murphy
7. Peadar Timmins CAPTAIN
8. Jack Conan
16. Bryan Byrne
17. Oisín Heffernan
18. Hayden Triggs
19. Max Deegan
20. Charlie Rock
21. Cathal Marsh
22. Jordan Larmour
