Byrne came off the bench last week and has gained first-team experience this season.

Byrne came off the bench last week and has gained first-team experience this season.

LEO CULLEN HAS made two enforced changes to his Leinster side for Saturday’s Champions Cup return clash with Northampton Saints [KO 7.45pm, BT Sport] at the Aviva Stadium.

With injury ruling both Joey Carbery and Rob Kearney out, the Leinster head coach hands UCD’s Ross Byrne his first European start while Zane Kirchner comes in at full back.

Sean O’Brien has, however, been passed fit and takes his place in the back row alongside Josh van der Flier and Jamie Heaslip.

Otherwise, it’s as you were for the eastern province as they look to seal back-to-back victories over the Premiership side and cement their position at the top of Pool 4.

Isa Nacewa will once again captain the side from the wing on the occasion of his 160th appearances for the club and he could go past the 600 point mark for Leinster if he adds four to his tally tomorrow evening.

Noel Reid has shaken off a foot injury he sustained against the Dragons a couple of weekends ago and takes his place on a bench also featuring the likes of Cian Healy, Jack Conan and Rory O’Loughlin.

After last week’s win in Franklin’s Gardens, Leinster sit top of the pool with 11 points from three outings and can take a big step towards progression with victory in Dublin.

Leinster

15. Zane Kirchner

14. Adam Byrne

13. Garry Ringrose

12. Robbie Henshaw

11. Isa Nacewa

10. Ross Byrne

9. Luke McGrath

1. Jack McGrath

2. Sean Cronin

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. Devin Toner

5. Hayden Triggs

6. Sean O’Brien

7. Josh van der Flier

8. Jamie Heaslip

Replacements:

16. James Tracy

17. Cian Healy

18. Michael Bent

19. Rhys Ruddock

20. Jack Conan

21. Jamison Gibson-Park

22. Noel Reid

23. Rory O’Loughlin

Northampton Saints

15. Ahsee Tuala

14. Ken Pisi

13. George Pisi

12. JJ Hanrahan

11. Tom Collins

10. Steve Myler

9. Nic Groom

1. Ethan Waller

2. Charlie Clare

3. Kieran Brookes

4. Api Ratuniyarawa

5. James Craig

6. Jamie Gibson

7. Calum Clark

8. Teimana Harrison

Replacements:

16. James Fish

17. Alex Waller

18. Paul Hill

19. Michael Paterson

20. Ben Nutley

21. Tom Kessell

22. Rory Hutchinson

23. James Wilson

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