Henshaw starts, Jordie Barrett benched for Leinster semi-final

Leinster have named a formidable lineup for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final clash against Northampton Saints, with Robbie Henshaw returning to the starting XV and Jordie Barrett held back on a powerful bench.

Head coach Leo Cullen has made three changes from the side that triumphed over Glasgow Warriors in the quarter-finals.

Caelan Doris is reinstated as captain and resumes his place in the back row, alongside Dan Sheehan at hooker and Henshaw in the midfield.

Henshaw will partner Garry Ringrose in the centre, while Barrett, who recently joined Leinster, is among the substitutes for this high-stakes encounter against the English Premiership champions.

The half-back combination remains unchanged, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast continuing their developing partnership.

Tommy O’Brien keeps his place on the right wing following a string of impressive performances, while James Lowe takes up position on the left. Hugo Keenan rounds out the back three at full-back.

In the front row, veteran Cian Healy starts at loosehead prop, with Andrew Porter expected to make an impact from the bench, as he did in the previous round. Sheehan starts at hooker, flanked by Tadhg Furlong at tighthead prop.

With James Ryan unavailable due to injury, RG Snyman continues in the second row, partnered by Joe McCarthy. Ryan Baird provides cover from the bench.

Max Deegan retains the blindside flanker spot, with Jack Conan named among the replacements. Josh van der Flier and Doris complete a powerful starting back row.

Leinster's bench includes several high-impact options, including Barrett, Porter, Conan, and Baird, providing Cullen with strong reinforcements should the match go the distance.

Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Cian Healy, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; RG Snyman, Joe McCarthy; Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Reserves: Rónan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Rabah Slimani, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jordie Barrett.

Northampton Saints: James Ramm; Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall (capt) Rory Hutchinson, Tom Litchfield; Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Emmanuel Iyogun, Curtis Langdon, Trevor Davison; Temo Mayanavanua, Alex Coles; Josh Kemeny, Henry Pollock, Juarno Augustus.

Reserves: Henry Walker, Tom West, Elliot Millar-Mills, Tom Lockett, Chunya Munga, Angus Scott-Young, Tom James, Tom Seabrook.