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After an incredibly successful tour to South Africa, where Leo Cullen gave youth and potential two exciting opportunities, Leinster welcome back their Irish international contingent. Caelan Doris returns at no.8 to captain the side and is one of 13 internationals who come back into the starting side.
Leinster fans had to settle for one sole Dan Sheehan appearance in blue before being whisked away for Six Nations duty, but Leo Cullen and fans alike will have been oh-so relieved to not only see him come through the campaign injury free, but to be in such red hot form. Sheehan is joined in the front row by Andrew Porter and recent re-signee, Rabah Slimani.
The 35-year-old Les Bleus international has become something of a cult hero in this Leinster dressing room. With 57 games for France, 187 for Stade Francais and another 148 for Clermont Auvergne, his C.V speaks for itself. The Tighthead shirt is a coveted position in French rugby, where fans lick their lips for a dominant scrum as much as they do sparkling backline bubbles, more commonly known as Champagne Rugby.
His influence permeates throughout the squad, with young players gravitating towards him and the more experienced operators looking to glean some nuggets from his storied career. His starting slot is well deserved off the back of an admirable game versus Jake White’s Blue Bulls.
Joe McCarthy will be eager to show he can balance his aggression with some nuance after a single but unforgiving moment versus France. Perhaps most interesting about the selection, is RG Snyman’s place in the starting team. It was touted when he first signed with Leinster that one of the conditions of his contract was that he was unable to start ahead of Leinster’s Irish second row stock in big European games. It now appears that clause was specific to Joe McCarthy and James Ryan. Ryan picked up a knock during the week and Leinster will miss his impact as he’s been in terrific form. His consistency is world class and he’s a name fans should pay more attention to come Lions time. This contract stipulation seems to not apply to Ryan Baird, whose switching between the back and second row goes against him in the contract’s terms and conditions. He has to settle for a place on the bench.
Max Deegan is unfortunate to miss out, however his recent run has earned him a place on the bench. However, it would be a rather Everest-esque feat to break into this starting Leinster back row. Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier lock down the flanks with Caelon Doris shoring up at no.8.
Jamison Gibson Park is back in blue after a fantastic Six Nations campaign and will be one of the front runners for European Player of the Year with a strong string of knockout games. Ireland’s newest generational fly half, Sam Prendergast, starts at 10 and will look to bring his recent international experience to the fore for his head coach Leo Cullen. There were magic moments for Prendergast in green but there were also some tough lessons. This game versus Harlequins is another opportunity for him to bring his class to the fore against Marcus Smith.
James Lowe takes his rightful place on the left wing opposite Jamie Osbourne, whose most recent travails on the wing against France left a bit to be desired. Hugo Keenan locks the team down at fullback, however this back three feels rather clunky. Osbourne primarily plays at centre and can do an admirable job at fullback. Keenan will be even more important than usual as his communication will be vital in order to stay connected with Osbourne.
Cullen has made a big call with his decision to put Jordie Barrett on the bench. He makes way for Leinster’s tried and tested combination of Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose. The tightest call in the entire matchday team, but Barrett’s presence on the bench will ensure Leinster will keep firing into the closing stages of the game.
Harlequins delivered the surprise of the tournament last year by beating Bordeaux in the Quarter Finals last year. Despite Bordeaux’s red hot try scoring form last year, I think this matchup versus Leinster is tougher on Harlequins. The nature of Bordeaux’s DNA mean their all out attack and inaccuracy in defense left them primed to be beaten by one point in a high scoring game. Leinster however are a far more unforgiving team who under Jacques Nienaber have punished teams who are wayward with the ball in hand, pouncing and converting on every opportunity.
Leinster are being billed as heavy favourites, which is assuming their returning internationals come back firing. It’s not a far-fetched idea, however many of these players didn’t quite feel on the same page in the last round of the Six Nations versus Italy and now have to assimilate back into the Leinster playbook.
I think Leinster will win out but expect them to work their way into the Leinster style of play after months away with Ireland.
Leinster Rugby Starting XV (1-15) Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Rabah Slimani, Joe McCarthy, RG Snyman, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, Sam Prendergast, James Lowe, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Jamie Osborne, Hugo Keenan
Leinster Rugby Replacements (16-23) Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Tadhg Furlong, Ryan Baird, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jordie Barrett