LEO Cullen has been given a huge boost ahead of Leinster’s URC final showdown with Bulls
Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose have shaken off injury concerns to take their place in the Leinster starting XV for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls at Croke Park.
But it’s not all roses as the clash comes too soon for British and Irish Lions stars Tadhg Furlong and Hugo Keenan, who miss out through calf injuries.
Meanwhile, 2022 World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier proved his fitness after picking up a hamstring knock in last week’s semi-final win over Glasgow.
Ringrose returns from a calf injury to a strong midfield pairing with Jordie Barrett.
They are the only changes from last week’s triumph at Aviva Stadium.
On the bench, Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, and Rabah Slimani provide front-row depth, with RG Snyman and Max Deegan among the forward reinforcements.
Jamie Osborne is joined by Luke McGrath and the departing Ross Byrne, who is set to make his 186th and final appearance for Leinster.
The action gets underway from 5pm KO, live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1.
Leinster team to face Bulls:
Jimmy O’Brien; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (capt).
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jamie Osborne.
Bulls team to face Leinster:
Willie le Roux; Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Sebastian de Klerk; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw; Cobus Wiese, JF van Heerden; Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje (capt), Marcell Coetzee.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Alulutho Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Jannes Kirsten, Nizaam Carr, Zak Burger, Keagan Johannes, Devon Williams.
