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Champions Cup team news: Leinster shake up selection while Peter O'Mahony is back for Munster

Hugo Keenan is one of five changes for Leinster
Hugo Keenan is one of five changes for Leinster

Hugo Keenan will make his injury return for Leinster in Saturday's final Investec Champions Cup pool 2 meeting with Bath at Aviva Stadium (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player), but Tadhg Furlong and Ryan Baird are notable absentees for Leo Cullen's side.

Furlong started last week's win against La Rochelle having been out since October due to a hamstring injury, but isn't included in the matchday squad for the visit of the Premiership leaders.

Dan Sheehan and James Lowe are also held back. The pair returned to full training this week following injury, but will now more than likely make their comebacks in next week's URC visit of the Stormers.

In total, Leo Cullen has made five changes from last week's win in France, with some eye-catching selections, including Garry Ringrose on the wing and captain Caelan Doris on the bench.

Keenan starts at full-back for his first game since suffering a wrist injury in Ireland's November win against Australia, as Jordie Barrett moves up into the centre where he partners Robbie Henshaw.

That positional switch sees Ringrose pivot over to the right wing, with Jamie Osborne continuing on the left, and Jimmy O'Brien dropping down to the bench.

Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park retain their places in the half-backs.

Ronan Kelleher continues at hooker, while Rabah Slimani comes into the starting team at tighthead, and Andrew Porter returns at loosehead.

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan are in the second row, with RG Snyman on a powerful bench which also contains Ireland captain Doris.

Jack Conan skippers the side from the back of the scrum, flanked by Max Deegan and Josh van der Flier.


Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jordie Barrett, Jamie Osborne; Sam Prendergast, Jamison-Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Rabah Slimani; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (capt)

Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, RG Snyman, Caelan Doris. Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jimmy O'Brien

Peter O'Mahony has missed the last three games for Munster

Munster have been able to bring Peter O'Mahony back into their side for their trip to Franklin's Gardens where they face Northampton Saints.

The former captain returns in the back row after missing the last three games due to a calf injury, and he is one of three changes to the side from last week's gritty 17-12 win against Saracens at Thomond Park.

O'Mahony starts at blindside flanker, taking the place of Jack O'Donoghue who drops to the bench, while Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes retain their places in the back. John Hodnett misses out after picking up a knock in training.

The second row partnership of Fineen Wycherley and Tadhg Beirne remains in place, meaning Tom Ahern has to be content with a spot on the bench, having impressed as a replacement last week.

Dian Bleuler and Oli Jager continue at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively, supplemented by John Ryan and Stephen Archer, while Diarmuid Barron starts at hooker, with Niall Scannell moving to the bench.

In the half-backs, Conor Murray and Jack Crowley start as expected, while the centre pairing is also unchanged with Rory Scannell and Tom Farrell selected.

Diarmuid Kilgallen is set to make his competitive debut on the left wing after overcoming a wrist injury. The former Connacht man's only previous appearance came in the November friendly against an All Blacks XV, while he replaces the injured Shane Daly.

Calvin Nash starts on the right wing, with Mike Haley at full-back.


Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Rory Scannell, Diarmuid Kilgallen; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Dian Bleuler, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (capt); Peter O'Mahony, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Tom Ahern, Jack O’Donoghue, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Brian Gleeson.

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Watch Leinster v Bath (kick-off 5.30pm, Saturday) on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player or follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport.

Follow Northampton v Munster (Saturday 3.15pm) on our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.

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