Wasps To Bring Sting As Blues Kick Off Title Defense

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Captain Johnny Sexton is back in the Leinster team for their Heineken Champions Cup opener against Wasps at the R-D-S tomorrow. The out-half is recalled as one of nine changes from the champions’ win over Munster in the Pro-14 last weekend.

Garry Ringrose, Jordan Larmour and Luke McGrath also come into the backs with Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, Sean Cronin, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan starting in the pack.

It’s the opening game of the province’s Champions Cup title defence and will start in a half-back partnership with Luke McGrath.

Garry Ringrose comes in to start at outside-centre while Robbie Henshaw is retained in the 12 shirt from last weekend’s win over Munster. Jordan Larmour comes in to start on the right wing in the only change to the back three from last week.

A new front row of Cian Healy, Seán Cronin and Tadhg Furlong will start Friday night’s European opener at the RDS. Devin Toner and James Ryan will once again start in the second row for Leinster Rugby.

In the back row, Dan Leavy moves from openside to blindside, Josh van der Flier comes in to start, and Jack Conan is named at number 8. Joe Tomane is named among the replacements and could make his European debut for the province.

Leinster Rugby

15. Rob Kearney
14. Jordan Larmour
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. James Lowe
10. Johnny Sexton CAPTAIN
9. Luke McGrath
1. Cian Healy
2. Seán Cronin
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. James Ryan
6. Dan Leavy
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan

Replacements:

16. James Tracy
17. Jack McGrath
18. Andrew Porter
19. Scott Fardy
20. Seán O’Brien
21. Nick McCarthy
22. Ross Byrne
23. Joe Tomane

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