Rugby

Luke McGrath and Fergus McFadden ruled out of Cheetahs clash

Barry Daly is named on the left wing for his first start of the campaign on Friday night

Luke McGrath will miss out Friday night’s Pro14 encounter. Photograph: Mike Sheehan/Inpho

Thu Sep 21 2017 - 12:44

Luke McGrath (arm) and Fergus McFadden (hamstring) have not been considered for selection for Friday’s Pro14 clash with the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Both have flown home to Dublin to begin preparations for the Edinburgh game next week, and the two are expected to be available for selection for that game.

In addition James Ryan (foot) was not considered for selection but has not flown home to Dublin as he is unlikely to be available for the Edinburgh clash. Irish Under-20 backrow Caelan Doris has joined the squad in Cape Town as cover.

Head coach Leo Cullen has again selected Joey Carbery at fullback while Dave Kearney is also retained but swaps wings this week and starts on the right, with Barry Daly - who turned 25 earlier this week - named on the left wing for his first start of the campaign.

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With Isa Nacewa captaining the side from number 12, Noel Reid shifts outside him to the number 13 shirt. In the halfbacks, Jamison Gibson-Park starts at scrumhalf with Ross Byrne at 10.

In the pack, it's a new front row with Cian Healy, James Tracy and Michael Bent starting having come off the bench last week.

Ross Molony again starts at lock but is joined this week by Mick Kearney for his first start of the season.

In the back row Jordi Murphy starts at blindside with Jack Conan again at number eight, while Josh van der Flier will win his 50th cap from the openside.

Peter Dooley returns from injury to take his place on the bench.

LEINSTER: Joey Carbery; Dave Kearney, Noel Reid, Isa Nacewa (capt), Barry Daly; Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Cian Healy, James Tracy, Michael Bent; Ross Molony, Mick Kearney; Jordi Murphy, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Seán Cronin, Peter Dooley, Andrew Porter, Rhys Ruddock, Max Deegan, Nick McCarthy, Cathal Marsh, Rory O’Loughlin.

Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 11th competition game).

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