Ireland call-ups disrupt Leinster preparations

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has made five changes to his starting line-up as he aims to guide his new charges to a third consecutive Guinness Pro12 triumph against the Scarlets this evening (7.35pm kick-off).

The departure of Mike McCarthy and Rhys Ruddock to the Irish camp (in place of injured Munster duo Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony) has forced Cullen to make significant alterations to his pack. Following a late cameo against Newport Gwent Dragons last Saturday week, Ross Byrne is handed his first start for the Blues at out-half.

He will be joined at half-back by the experienced Isaac Boss, who will be making his fourth appearance of the season in Parc y Scarlets tonight, and is anticipating a tough encounter against the current table-toppers (who hand a debut to Canadian World Cup star DTH van der Merwe).