LEO CULLEN HAS NAMED A strong team to face Toulouse in the semi-final of the Champions Cup.
The two rugby heavyweights will be looking to get to this year's final in Dublin next month.
Last year, Leinster beat Toulouse 40-17 on the way to the 2022 final but they were a different side from a year ago.
For Leinster Josh van der Flier returns to the side after overcoming his injury troubles. He wins his 50th Champions Cup cap.
The World Player of The Year has been selected in a back row with Caelan Doris and Jack Conan.
James Ryan starts in the second row as captain, alongside Ross Molony.
The front pack is completed by the Grand Slam winning trio of Andrew Porter, Tadgh Furlong, and Dan Sheehan.
In the backs, Cullen has selected a back three of Hugo Keenan. Jordan Larmour, and Jimmy O'Brien.
Ross Byrne and Jamison Gibson-Park start as the provinces 10 and 9.
In midfield, Gary Ringrose and Charlie NgataI also get the nod.
Robbie Henshaw misses out after picking up an unspecified knock.
Kick-off is at 3pm and be seen live on RTÉ 2, BT Sport 3, or listened to RTÉ Radio 1 and Newstalk.
🧢 Josh van der Flier set for 50th @ChampionsCup appearance
🏉 Charlie Ngatai returns from injury
🥈 Cian Healy set to move to second in Leinster's all-time appearance list#LeinsterRugby team announcement 👉 https://t.co/mBx7bTEDvJ#LEIvTOU #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/udgqE25XhE— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 28, 2023
Leinster team
Full back: 15. Hugo Keenan
Winger: 14. Jordan Larmour
Centres: 13. Garry Ringrose 12. Charlie Ngatai
Winger: 11. Jimmy O’Brien
Outhalf 10. Ross Byrne Scrum half 9. Jamison Gibson-Park
Front Row 1. Andrew Porter 2. Dan Sheehan 3. Tadhg Furlong
Second row row: 4. Ross Molony 5. James Ryan CAPTAIN,
Back row: 6. Caelan Doris 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Jack Conan
Replacements: 16. John McKee 17. Cian Healy 18. Michael Ala’alatoa 19. Jason Jenkins 20. Ryan Baird 21. Luke McGrath 22. Harry Byrne 23. Ciarán Frawley
Toulouse team
Full back: 15. Thomas Ramos
Winger: 14. Juan Cruz Mallia
Centres: 13. Pierre-Louis Barassi 12. Pita Ahki
Winger: 11. Matthis Lebel;
Outhalf 10. Romain Ntamack Scrum half 9. Antoine Dupont (capt)
Front Row 1. Cyril Baille, 2.Péato Mauvaka, 3. Dorian Aldegheri
Second row row: 4. Richie Arnold, 5. Emmanuel Meafou;
Back row: 6. Jack Willis, 7. Thibaud Flament, 8. Francois Cros.
Replacements: Julian Marchand, Rodrigue Neti, David Ainu'u, Alexandre Roumat, Rynhardt Elstadt, Alban Placines, Paul Graou, Arthur Retiere.
𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒐 I 𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒊-𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒆 I #LEINST 📋
Découvrez le XV de départ pour la demie de samedi 💥
Tous avec le Stade ❤️🔥#ToulouseIsRed🔴 pic.twitter.com/nup2ivXlzk— Stade Toulousain (@StadeToulousain) April 28, 2023
