Leo Cullen makes five changes for Leinster Scarlets clash

Scarlets v Leinster, Parc y Scarlets, Friday October 16th, 7.35pm ko (TG4)

Leinster boss Leo Cullen has made five changes to his side for the province's trip to play top of the table Scarlets in the Pro 12 on Friday night.

With Rhys Ruddock being called up to the Ireland squad for Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, as Joe Schmidt looks to plug the gap left following Sean O'Brien's ban, Dan Leavy starts in the backrow alongside Dominic Ryan and Josh van der Flier.

Meanwhile Tom Denton moves back into the secondrow in place of Mike McCarthy, who has also joined up with the World Cup squad.

There are no changes to the back three with skipper Isa Nacewa, Garry Ringrose and Fergus McFadden all starting, while Colm O'Shea replaces the injured Ben Te'o in midfield.

Ross Byrne, the Irish under 20s starting outhalf last season, takes the number 10 jersey and is partnered at halfback by Isaac Boss, who is winning his 125th Leinster Cap.

The Scarlets have handed a debut to Canadian World Cup star DTH van der Merwe, who scored a try in all four of his nation’s group games.

Leinster: Isa Nacewa, Fergus McFadden, Colm O'Shea, Noel Reid, Garry Ringrose, Ross Byrne, Isaac Boss, Michael Bent, Bryan Byrne, Marty Moore, Ross Molony, Tom Denton, Dominic Ryan, Josh van der Flier, Dan Leavy

Replacements: James Tracy, Peter Dooley, Jamie Hagan, Tadhg Beirne, Tony Ryan, Luke McGrath, Cathal Marsh, Mick McGrath

Scarlets: Aled Thomas, Hadleigh Parkes, Regan King, Gareth Owen, DTH van der Merwe, Steven Shingler, Aled Davies, Rob Evans, Kirby Myhill, Peter Edwards, George Earle, Tom Price, Aaron Shingler, James Davies, John Barclay

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Phil John, Will Taylor, Tom Phillips, Jack Condy, Rhodri Williams, Dan Jones, Tom Williams