The match-up between Leinster and the Hollywoodbets Sharks at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday at 18:30 (SA Time) is expected to be a humdinger, as both sides go in search of their first win this season.
While Leinster come off two bitterly disappointing defeats against the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers in South Africa, the KwaZulu-Natalians will also want to finish their tour on a high note following a defeat against the Glasgow Warriors and a deflating draw against the Dragons last week. They will also be boosted by the return of a few Springboks, including Makazole Mapimpi, Ethan Hooker, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Koch.
The Durbanites will draw comfort from the fact that they boast a better attack and defensive record than the hosts in the competition so far, but Leinster have traditionally been a force to be reckoned with at home, and with their passionate home supporters spurring them on, they will give everything to make them proud and sway their fortunes.
Adding to this, the Hollywoodbets Sharks have won only one of their last five matches against Leinster, which may give the home side a vital mental boost.
Leinster Rugby made eight changes in personnel to the starting XV, with five of our British and Irish Lions contingent making their first appearance of the season, including Josh van der Flier, who captains the side for the first time. Former Ireland Sevens star Joshua Kenny has been named among the replacements, and the 22-year-old will make his Leinster debut if he is introduced to the action.
Van der Flier joins Alex Soroka and Max Deegan in the back row behind the unchanged pairing of Brian Deeny and Ryan Baird in the engine room. Tadhg Furlong returns to the team for the first time since making a ninth consecutive British and Irish Lions Test start over the summer, with fellow Lion Rónan Kelleher also getting his first run out of the season at hooker, with Paddy McCarthy continuing at loosehead.
In the backs, returning Lions James Lowe and Jamie Osborne are named in the team for the first time this season, with Jimmy O’Brien switching to the wing. Robbie Henshaw shifts to outside centre with Ciarán Frawley taking the 12 shirt, while Fintan Gunne and Harry Byrne make their first starts of the 2025/26 campaign at scrum-half and out-half respectively. Thomas Clarkson’s inclusion on the bench brings the number of this summer’s Lions in the matchday squad to six, with Gus McCarthy and Jack Boyle also named in reserve alongside Diarmuid Mangan and James Culhane. Luke McGrath provides the cover at scrum-half while Hugh Cooney takes his place among the replacements alongside Joshua Kenny, who is in line for his debut.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks welcome back a handful of Springboks who were at Twickenham last weekend and are available for their huge match against Leinster. The timing couldn’t be better, with Makazole Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker both handed starts (on either wing) for this final match on tour, and Vincent Koch and Bongi Mbonambi adding presence off the bench, along with a welcome return for Siya Masuku. The only other change sees Jason Jenkins replacing Deon Slabbert in the second row.
Teams:
Leinster Rugby: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Jimmy O’Brien, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Ciarán Frawley, 11 James Lowe, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Fintan Gunne, 8 Max Deegan, 7 Josh van der Flier (captain), 6 Alex Soroka, 5 Ryan Baird, 4 Brian Deeny, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Paddy McCarthy. Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Diarmuid Mangan, 20 James Culhane, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Hugh Cooney, 23 Joshua Kenny.
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Vincent Tshituka (c), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima. Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter.