Leinster are back in Dublin this weekend after a successful trip to Rodney Parade last week, with an impressive 33-10 win over the Dragons.
When is Leinster v Scarlets?
The match is on Saturday 18th November at 19:35 in the RDS Arena.
How to watch
The game is available on both Premier Sports and TG4. With coverage under way at 19:00. Tickets are still available here.
Team News
Leinster have been showcasing their young talents since the URC got under way in late October. Prospects such as James Culhane, Paddy McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Sam Prendergast and Jamie Osborne have had time to impress in starting roles. Despite an opening day loss to the Warriors at Scotstoun, the men from D4 have been climbing the URC table and currently sit in third.
However, it is now time for the big boys to return. Leinster are well renowned for their depth in every position and this often leads to heavy rotation throughout the season. With the World Cup though, an entire platoon of some of the best players in international rugby drop in to the Leinster match day squad this week. Including a first outing for newly named co-captains, Garry Ringrose and James Ryan.
📥 | 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬!
Here is the #LeinsterRugby team to face @Scarlets_Rugby in the #BKTURC tomorrow evening.#LEIvSCA #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/fnwZWR9ZRs— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 17, 2023
Impressive outings, in the absence of the Ireland contingent, from Max Deegan, Jamie Osbourne, Thomas Clarkson and most notably Sam Prendergast in recent weeks see them retain positions in the starting XV. While Jack Boyle awaits introduction from the bench alongside international stalwarts, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong. While there is a start for both Ronan Kelleher and Andrew Porter, who spoke so well of his struggles personally since the World Cup exit, in the front row with young Clarkson.
Prendergast and Osborne start
The big talking point for Leinster fans is the selection of Prendergast and Osborne in the 10 and 12 jerseys. Alongside the effervescent Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ringrose, and Jimmy O'Brien all fresh off the World Cup campaign, it is an immense opportunity for two of Ireland's brightest raw talents in the back division. In the context of Jonathan Sexton's retirement a lot of spotlight has shone on young Prendergast. This game will be closely monitored to see how he and Osborne shape up around seasoned test match animals.
Sam Prendergast practicing his golf swing... ⛳️ A sparkling @LeinsterRugby cross-field kick 🏉✨@Vodacom #URC | #LEIvSHA pic.twitter.com/q8cz02xQ3C
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) October 28, 2023
Up against a Scarlets team with one win so far and coming off a 23-34 home defeat to the Lions last week. It looks like the stage is set for the return of some of Ireland's finest, as well as a potential glimpse in to the future of not only Leinster, but possibly Irish rugby.
