Leo Cullen aims to make most of Leinster's bright start to season

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen during the Captain's Run at the RDS Arena yesterday. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Leo Cullen found himself defending the integrity of the Heineken Champions Cup after Northampton Saints head coach Chris Boyd followed through with his intention to field “some youngsters” against Leinster in the RDS today (KO 1pm).

Boyd has made eight changes from last weekend’s loss to Bordeaux with an eye on more winnable fixtures down the line. Injury to Dan Biggar sees regular full-back George Furbank win just a second start at out-half while Tom James makes his European debut at scrum-half. There is also a first Champions Cup start for 22-year-old wing Ryan Olowofela.