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Ross Byrne starts for Leinster with Sexton named on the bench

Johnny Sexton has been named on the bench for Leinster's Heineken Champions Cup opener away to Mo...



Johnny Sexton has been named on the bench for Leinster's Heineken Champions Cup opener away to Montpellier on Saturday.

Leo Cullen has handed a European debut to Jimmy O’Brien, who has recovered from a back injury to take his place at full-back.

Hugo Keenan, fresh from his involvement with Ireland during the Autumn Nations Cup, starts on the right wing with Dave Kearney starting on the left.

In the centre, Ciarán Frawley makes his first start in Europe and he will be partnered by Robbie Henshaw.

The half-back pairing sees Luke McGrath at scrumhalf and Ross Byrne selected in the number 10 jersey.

In the pack, Peter Dooley, James Tracy, and Michael Bent are selected in the front row, with Devin Toner and Scott Fardy behind them in the second row.

Rhys Ruddock captains the side from blindside flanker, with Josh van der Flier on the openside. Caelan Doris completes the pack from number eight.

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton was a doubt for the game due to a dead leg he sustained in last week's Autumn Nations Cup win over Scotland but he's one of several internationals named on the bench.

Leinster:

15. Jimmy O’Brien
14. Hugo Keenan
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Ciarán Frawley
11. Dave Kearney
10. Ross Byrne
9. Luke McGrath

1. Peter Dooley
2. James Tracy
3. Michael Bent
4. Devin Toner
5. Scott Fardy
6. Rhys Ruddock (C)
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher
17. Cian Healy
18. Andrew Porter
19. James Ryan
20. Ryan Baird
21. Jamison Gibson-Park
22. Johnny Sexton
23. Dan Leavy

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'Egg Money' Documentary On Newstalk Heineken Champions Cup Johnny Sexton Leinster Montpellier Ross Byrne