Lions begin to filter back in as Leinster seek first win of season against Sharks

It’s no coincidence that the majority of Leinster players who featured heavily in the three-Test series against Australia are still absent

Tadhg Furlong signs autographs after training as part of the Leinster Rugby 12 county tour at Greystones RFC, Wicklow. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

For Leinster the season starts here as five of their 14 British and Irish Lions from the summer’s successful tour of Australia stretch their legs for the first time this season against the Sharks at the Aviva Stadium.

This is their first home game after two opening losses to the Stormers and the Bulls in South Africa. With just one point on the board and 14 teams above them on the table, there is work to be done, ground to be made-up.