Leinster And Connacht Name Teams For Champions Cup Second Leg

Thursday, 14 April 2022 13:07

Leinster hold a five-point advantage following the first-leg.

Leinster and Connacht have named their teams for the second leg of their Heineken Champions Cup last-16 clash at the Aviva Stadium.

Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher all come into the starting 15 for Leinster.

Luke McGrath, Cian Healy and Dan Sheehan are the players to make way - McGrath and Sheehan are on the bench.

The Connacht team shows just one change from last week's game at the Sportsground - Caolin Blade replaces Kieran Marmion at scrum half.

Leinster take a five point lead into tomorrow's game.

Leinster squad:

15. Hugo Keenan

14. Jimmy O'Brien

13. Garry Ringrose

12. Robbie Henshaw

11. James Lowe

10. Johnny Sexton (c)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Andrew Porter

2. Rónan Kelleher

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. Ross Molony

5. Josh Murphy

6. Caelan Doris

7. Josh van der Flier

8. Jack Conan

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan

17. Ed Byrne

18. Michael Ala'alatoa

19. Devin Toner

20. Rhys Ruddock

21. Luke McGrath

22. Ross Byrne

23. Ciarán Frawley

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A win of 6 points or more would see Connacht qualify for the quarter-finals of the Heineken Champions Cup for the first time in their history.

Commenting on the team announcement, Andy Friend says:

“While our performance last week was good overall, there was a very real sense of disappointment that we didn’t get the win. Having said that, I know this group can bring their performance on another level, which is essential if we’re to reach the last eight.

We’ve a good record in the Aviva over the last two years or so and it’s a pitch that suits our style of rugby. Coupled with a strong travelling support behind us it’s set to be another great occasion.”

Connacht squad:

15. Tiernan O’Halloran

14. John Porch

13. Tom Farrell

12. Bundee Aki

11. Mack Hansen

10. Jack Carty (C)

9. Caolin Blade

1. Matthew Burke

2. Dave Heffernan

3. Finlay Bealham

4. Gavin Thornbury