Leinster Make 15 Changes for Cardiff URC Clash as Sheehan Captains on RDS Return

Leinster have hit the reset button ahead of Saturday's United Rugby Championship meeting with Cardiff, with head coach Leo Cullen making a remarkable 15 changes to his starting XV. Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the side for Leinster's first competitive fixture at the redeveloped RDS since the province moved there from Donnybrook in 2005. The wholesale overhaul follows last weekend's bonus-point defeat to the Sharks in South Africa, with Cullen turning to his senior internationals to steer the province back on track. Sheehan leads a front row featuring Alex Usanov and Tadhg Furlong, while Joe McCarthy and James Ryan make their first appearances of the season in the second row. Max Deegan, Scott Penny and Jack Conan form a new-look back row. There is a senior debut at half-back, with Oliver Coffey handed his first start alongside fly-half Sam Prendergast, while Jamie Osborne partners Garry Ringrose in midfield. Hugo Keenan slots in at full-back between wings Jimmy O'Brien and Joshua Kenny. Cardiff, meanwhile, are boosted by the return of Wales veteran Taulupe Faletau, who is back from injury for the trip to Dublin. The Welsh side face a daunting test against a Leinster team desperate to bounce back — and to mark their homecoming with a win. Saturday's 7:45pm kick-off will be shown live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1.