James Lowe and Tadhg Furlong start as Leinster name formidable ...
James Lowe and Tadhg Furlong have both been named to start for Leinster in Saturday’s Champions Cup game against Stade Francais (5.30pm) in what is a timely boost to Ireland ahead of the Six Nations.
Lowe hasn’t featured in a match since the end of the World Cup, after spending some time in New Zealand after the tournament. Furlong has been absent in recent weeks following the death of his father, but both Ireland stars have been picked to start against the French side at the Aviva Stadium this weekend.
Another big selection talking point from a Leinster perspective is Ciaran Frawley at number ten, with Leo Cullen having opted for a number of different options at out-half this season.
James Ryan will start the game on the bench, with Joe McCarthy and Jason Jenkins at second row.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 12th January
Meanwhile, Ulster have made one change to the team that beat Leinster on New Year’s Day as they host Toulouse in a blockbuster Champions Cup tie in Belfast on Saturday night (8pm).
Former Exeter back row Dave Ewers comes into the team at blindside flanker alongside Sean Reffell and Nick Timoney in the back row.
Dan McFarland’s men will be confident after three consecutive wins, one of which was their last Champions Cup game, which was a dominant win over Racing 92 at Kingspan Stadium.
Leinster team to face Stade Francais: H Keenan, J Larmour, G Ringrose (C), R Henshaw, J Lowe, C Frawley, J Gibson-Park, A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong, J McCarthy, J Jenkins, R Baird, J van der Flier, C Doris.
Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, M Ala’alatoa, J Ryan, J Conan, L McGrath, S Prendergast, T O’Brien.
Ulster team to face Toulouse: M Lowry, R Baloucoune, J Hume, S McCloskey, J Stockdale, B Burns, J Cooney, S Kitshoff, T Stewart, T O’Toole, K Treadwell, I Henderson, D Ewers, S Reffell, N Timoney.
Replacements: J Andrew, A Warwick, M Moore, A O’Connor, M Rea, N Doak, L Marshall, W Addison.
