Furlong misses out as Leinster declare their hand for Champions Cup semi tie with Toulon

Leinster's Tadhg Furlong leaves the field due to injury. Pic: Roberto Bregani/Inpho

Leinster will have to make do without Ireland and Lions tighthead Tadhg Furlong for their Champions Cup semi-final tie against Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

The Wexford man was replaced in the first-half of last week’s URC defeat away to Benetton. His absence from the squad for this crucial last four tie was expected but it still represents a blow despite Thomas Clarkson’s form this term.

Andrew Porter, however, is good to go and that will be good news for the club’s fans given the plethora of injuries on that loosehead side where Paddy McCarthy, Jack Boyle and Alex Usanov are all on the absentee list.

Porter will be backed up off the bench by Jerry Cahir who has impressed since taking up a contract this season off the back of impressive work in the AIL in the recent past. This is different gravy again though.

With Ryan Baird and RG Snyman also absent, Leinster’s resources are being stretched in a way we haven’t often seen and that is apparent more so among the list of replacements than in a first XV that is filled with Test class.

There are big guns to bring on.

Ronan Kelleher is a British and Irish Lion – one of 12 in the ranks – and Sam Prendergat’s encouraging form in recent weeks, added to Jamie Osborne’s versatility that is also being kept in reserve, has earned him a place on the pine at the expense of Ciaran Frawley.

Harry Byrne continues to hold the No.10 jersey and Rieko Ioane has been named on the wing. Jimmy O’Brien will be disappointed given his recent efforts but the All Black was signed with games like this one very much in mind.

Leinster will be looking for big things from him.

Toulon came to Dublin with injury worries of their own but captain Charles Ollivon and Dave Ribbans have been named in the starting side. Lewis Ludlam, Swan Rebbadj and Brian Alainu’uese have not been included.

Former French international wing Gabin Villere has a torn cruciate while prop Dany Priso and full-back Marius Domon are long-term absentees. Daniel Brennan, son of former Ireland international and Toulouse forward Trevor, is among the replacements.

Leinster: H Keenan; T O’Brien, G Ringrose, R Henshaw, R Ioane; H Byrne, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Clarkson; J McCarthy, J Ryan; J Conan, J van der Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, J Cahir, R Slimani, A Soroka, S Penny, L McGrath, S Prendergast, J Osborne.

Toulon: M Jaminet; G Drean, JI Brex, J Sinzelle, S Tuicuvu; T Albornoz, B White; JB Gros, T Baubigny, K Sinckler; C Mezou, D Ribbans; J Kpoku, C Ollivon, M Shioshvili.

Replacements: G Lucchesi, D Brennan, B Gigashvili, M Halagahu, Z Mercer, B Serin, E Abadie, M Ferte.

Referee: L Pierce (Eng).