Leinster flex muscles for Champions Cup clash with Edinburgh

Leo Cullen has loaded them up for the knockout showdown with the Scottish outfit this weekend.

HARRY'S GAME: Harry Byrne during Leinster training at UCD this week. Pic: INPHO/Gavin Cullen

Leo Cullen has named a Leinster side packed with internationals for the Champions Cup visit of Edinburgh to the Aviva Stadium this weekend. 

Harry Byrne has been given the nod to start at out-half for Sunday's Round of 16 game.

Amongst four changes from the team that won 36-19 win against Scarlets last weekend, Tadhg Furlong and Jimmy O'Brien return. 

Ryan Baird comes in for his first appearance since October, while Luke McGrath is in line to earn his 250th Leinster cap.

Baird comes into the second row alongside Joe McCarthy.

Caelan Doris captains the side once more, with Jack Conan coming in at blindside flanker and Josh van der Flier at openside.

Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong will scrum down either side of Dan Sheehan for the second week in a row.

Hugo Keenan returns to the starting XV for his second appearance of the season.

Jamie Osborne continues at 12 with Rieko Ioane his partner in the centre, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Harry Byrne are named as the half-backs.

Alex Usanov is in line to make his Champions Cup debut from the bench alongside Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson as the front row cover while Brian Deeny and Max Deegan complete the forward reinforcements.

McGrath will earn his landmark cap if he is introduced from the replacements, with Ciarán Frawley and Robbie Henshaw completing the matchday 23

Leinster: Hugo Keenan: Tommy O'Brien, Rieko Ioane, Jamie Osborne, Jimmy O'Brien; Harry Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, Ryan Baird; Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Alex Usanov, Thomas Clarkson, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ciarán Frawley, Robbie Henshaw.