Leinster rugby have several major selection concerns before Saturday’s URC semi-final with the Stormers, with sports ireland readers watching closely for updates on Joe McCarthy, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong. Leo Cullen’s squad returned to winning form with a commanding 49-10 quarter-final victory over the Lions, but that result came at a cost as injuries now threaten to shape the biggest game of their domestic season.
McCarthy and Sheehan were both forced off in that win, with McCarthy appearing to struggle physically and Sheehan dealing with shoulder and knee issues. Cullen struck a measured tone afterwards, but Leinster will assess both players through the week before confirming their matchday squad. Furlong is also a concern after a late withdrawal with calf tightness, while Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Rónan Kelleher and Jordan Larmour are also being monitored.
Leinster face big calls as injuries test their depth
The wider injury list is already significant. Ryan Baird, RG Snyman, Jack Boyle, Will Connors, Paddy McCarthy, Charlie Tector and Hugh Cooney are ruled out, leaving Cullen with a balancing act between continuity and freshness. One of the key decisions will come at out-half after Sam Prendergast impressed on his return, though Harry Byrne remains in the frame.
There is some relief for Leinster in the Stormers camp. The visitors will be without influential out-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu after a serious ankle injury, a major setback for the South African side ahead of their trip to Dublin. Cobus Reinach and Deon Fourie are already sidelined, while Seabelo Senatla, Dan du Plessis and Ruben van Heerden are injury doubts.
- Match: Leinster v Stormers
- Competition: URC semi-final
- Venue: Aviva Stadium
- Kick-off: Saturday, 5.30pm
For ireland sports news followers, the key issue now is whether Leinster can get enough frontline players fit to cope with a dangerous Stormers side. The next few days will decide plenty, and sports ireland attention will remain fixed on Cullen’s final injury update and team selection.
