Sheehan Switches to No.8 as Leinster Ring Changes for Munster Derby

Leo Cullen has been forced into a radical reshuffle for Leinster's United Rugby Championship derby against Munster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, with captain Dan Sheehan moving to No.8 for the first time in his professional career. Injuries to back-row specialists Caelan Doris and, most recently, Jack Conan have left Leinster badly stretched at the back of the scrum, so the Ireland hooker has been pressed into service at No.8, flanked by Ryan Baird and Josh van der Flier. It is a bold call from Cullen ahead of one of the province's biggest domestic fixtures of the season. There is another surprise at out-half. Sam Prendergast is nowhere in the matchday 23, with Joey Carbery starting at 10 in what will be his first start since returning to the province. Prendergast's absence comes amid reports that the 23-year-old Ireland fly-half has suffered an arm injury. He was not listed on Leinster's injury update released on Monday, suggesting the problem emerged later in the week. Harry Byrne also remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from concussion. There was some welcome news for Leinster too: Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park returns to make his first appearance of the season at No.9, a timely boost with the Nations Championship resuming in November. Jamie Osborne comes into the midfield alongside Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan starts at full-back, and Rónan Kelleher packs down between Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong in the front row. Four changes in all from the side that beat Clermont 48-23 in France last weekend.