Byrne and Porter start as Leinster ring changes

Leinster have made 11 changes to their starting lineup for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship derby against Munster at Thomond Park, with Andrew Porter returning from injury and Harry Byrne named at out-half.

Porter returns as Leinster rotate heavily

Porter has recovered from an arm injury to make his first Leinster appearance since October, starting in the front row alongside Rónan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson. He is one of several senior figures brought back as Leinster look to respond to their 31–14 defeat to Munster earlier in the season.

Only four players retain starting places from last weekend’s 24–20 comeback win over Ulster at the Aviva Stadium, including Ciarán Frawley, James Lowe, Rieko Ioane and James Ryan, who reached his 100th Leinster appearance in that fixture.

Doris leads reshaped back row

Caelan Doris returns to captain the side from number eight after missing last week’s game. Jack Conan drops out due to a knee injury, with Max Deegan and Josh van der Flier completing the back row. Joe McCarthy partners Ryan in the second row.

Harry Byrne earns his fifth start of the season at fly-half and will be partnered by Jamison Gibson-Park, who made his seasonal debut against Munster earlier in the campaign.

The backline mirrors Leinster’s recent Investec Champions Cup win over Leicester Tigers. Ioane again lines up alongside Robbie Henshaw in midfield, while the back three features Frawley, Tommy O’Brien and Lowe, who is closing in on 100 appearances for the province.

Leinster XV: Ciarán Frawley; Tommy O’Brien, Rieko Ioane, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Harry Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Reserves: John McKee, Paddy McCarthy, Tadhg Furlong, Diarmuid Mangan, Scott Penny, Fintan Gunne, Charlie Tector, Andrew Osborne.