Jordie Barrett Set for First Leinster Start Amid Five Team Changes

Jordie Barrett is slated to make his initial start for Leinster this Saturday in the Champions Cup Pool 2 fixture against Clermont Auvergne, which will be held at the Aviva Stadium. He previously scored a try after coming off the bench in the 35-12 victory over Bristol Bears. The All Black player, Barrett, joined Leinster from the Hurricanes on a short-term agreement at the end of November. He marked his debut by scoring a try as a replacement in last week’s 35-12 win against Bristol Bears. The New Zealander, who has earned 67 caps, will occupy the full-back position, stepping in for the injured Ciaran Frawley. Sam Prendergast will retain the number 10 jersey, having contributed two tries in the away triumph over the English Premiership side. Leinster’s head coach, Leo Cullen, has introduced a total of five modifications to the starting lineup. These adjustments include the inclusion of captain Caelan Doris, Liam Turner, Andrew Porter, and Thomas Clarkson. Clermont secured a 28-0 win against Benetton in their opening Pool 1 match. The Leinster team comprises: Barrett; Turner, Ringrose, Henshaw, O’Brien; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, Ryan; Deegan, van der Flier, Doris (captain). Replacements are: Gus McCarthy, Healy, Slimani, Snyman, Conan, Gunne, Byrne, Osborne.