Lansdowne's Irish 7's captain Tom Daly gets an opportunity to show his ability in the 15-man game as he lines out for his senior debut for Leinster in their Pro12 clash with Zebre on Saturday (kick off:5.05pm, not available on television or radio) .
Coach Leo Cullen has had to dig into his squad for their match against Zebre as Daly takes his place at outside centre with Gary Ringrose in Chicago with Ireland.
Loosehead Andrew Porter also makes his first start, with experience alongside him in Michael Bent and hooker Richardt Strauss. Strauss is stepping up from the ‘A’ team for the first time this season after knee surgery as coach Leo Cullen makes seven changes from the side that beat Connacht last weekend.
Leinster have a cracking backrow with Sean O’Brien and his 104 caps, disappointed not to be in Soldier Field but still working to get back to previous levels and determined to make an impression, along with Jack Conan and Dan Leavy. Blindside Leavy continues to impress, picking up man of the match last week.
Zebre have seized their first win of the season, a historic victory in Scotland against Edinburgh, so there is some Italian confidence for their home game in Parma despite Leinster’s win over last year’s champions.
Trying to harness on the Murrayfield success Zebre make just one change in the starting line-up with centre Matteo Pratichetti taking his position at outside centre.
Zebre: E Padovani, G Bisegni, M Pratichetti, T Castello, G Venditti; C Canna, M Violi; A Lovotti, T D'Apice, D Chistolini, Q Geldenhuys, G Biagi, M Mbanda, J Meyer, A Van Schalkwyk.
Replacements: C Festuccia, B Postiglioni, P Ceccarelli, F Ruzza, D Minnie, G Palazzani, C Engelbrecht, S Balocchi
Leinster: I Nacewa; A Byrne, T Daly, N Reid, B Daly; R Byrne, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, R Strauss, M bent, M McCarthy, H Triggs, D Leavy, S O'Brien, J Conan.
Replacements: J Tracy, P Dooley, M Ross, M Kearney, R Ruddock, N McCarthy, D Ryan, H Keenan.
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU).
Verdict: Leinster.
