RugbyChampions Cup

Leinster team news: Ross Molony and Josh van der Flier return for Croke Park clash

Leo Cullen makes two changes to his pack for Champions Cup semi-final showdown with Northampton

Josh van der Flier returns to the Leinster backrow for Saturday's Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton at Croke Park. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Fri May 3 2024 - 12:23

Leinster have made two changes from the side that beat La Rochelle in the quarter-finals for Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton at Croke Park (5.30), with both coming up front in the pack.

Ross Molony takes over from Jason Jenkins in the secondrow, while Josh van der Flier returns at openside ahead of Will Connors. Caelan Doris will lead the team from number eight.

There’s a boost among the replacements with Jimmy O’Brien named on the bench after recovering from a neck injury. Also among the replacements, Cian Healy is set to become the all-time appearance holder in the history of the Champions Cup. He is currently on 110 appearances, alongside Ronan O’Gara.

Northampton also make two changes from their quarter-final win over their big 59-22 win over the Bulls, with England international George Furbank returning at fullback and James Ramm moving to the right wing, with George Hendy switching to the left in place of Ollie Sleightholme.

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The other change sees Alex Waller come in at loosehead prop for Emmanuel Iyogun.

LEINSTER (v Northampton): Ciarán Frawley; Jordan Larmour, Robbie Henshaw, Jamie Osborne, James Lowe; Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Ross Molony, Joe McCarthy, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Michael Ala’alatoa, Jason Jenkins, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne, Jimmy O’Brien.

NORTHAMPTON: George Furbank; James Ramm, Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, George Hendy; Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Alex Waller, Curtis Langdon, Trevor Davison; Alex Moon, Alex Coles; Courtney Lawes (capt), Sam Graham, Juarno Augustus.

Replacements: Sam Matavesi, Emmanuel Iyogun, Elliot Millar Mills, Temo Mayanavanua, Angus Scott-Young, Tom James, Tom Litchfield, Tom Seabrook.

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France).

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