Jordie Barrett to start as Leinster faces Clermont

Jordie Barrett will make his first start for Leinster in Saturday's Champions Cup clash against Clermont at the Aviva Stadium.

The New Zealand international, who joined Leinster from the Hurricanes on a short-term deal in late November, replaces the injured Ciarán Frawley at full-back after scoring a try off the bench in his debut last weekend against Bristol.

Head coach Leo Cullen has made five changes to the side that secured a 35-12 victory over Bristol in the opening round.

Among the changes, captain Caelan Doris, Liam Turner, Andrew Porter, and Thomas Clarkson return to the starting lineup for the highly anticipated Pool 3 encounter.

Sam Prendergast retains his position at out-half following a stellar performance last week, which included scoring two tries. He will once again partner with Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-back pairing.

The midfield combination of Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw remains intact, with Jimmy O’Brien rounding out the backline alongside Barrett and Turner.

Rónan Kelleher has been named at hooker, joining Andrew Porter and Thomas Clarkson in the front row. Joe McCarthy and James Ryan form the second-row partnership, while Josh van der Flier, fresh off his Player of the Autumn Nations Series accolade, continues at openside flanker. Max Deegan and captain Caelan Doris complete the back row.

The replacements include a mix of experience and emerging talent. Veterans Cian Healy and Rabah Slimani bolster the front row, with RG Snyman and Jack Conan providing depth in the pack. Academy players Gus McCarthy, Fintan Gunne, and Andrew Osborne are also included, alongside Ross Byrne.

Clermont enters the fixture following a dominant 28-0 victory over Benetton in their Pool 3 opener.

Leinster Starting XV: Jordie Barrett; Liam Turner, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Reserves: Gus McCarthy, Cian Healy, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Jack Conan, Fintan Gunne, Ross Byrne, Andrew Osborne.