Ulster vs Leinster: One Change Sparks Derby Clash

Ulster's head coach, Richie Murphy, has opted for minimal changes to his squad ahead of Friday's United Rugby Championship inter-provincial derby against Leinster. The only adjustment sees Sean Reffell come in for Nick Timoney in the forward pack. The front row remains unchanged, with Angus Bell, Tom Stewart, and Tom O'Toole starting, while Iain Henderson captains the second row alongside Cormac Izuchukwu. David McCann and Juarno Augustus complete the back row with Reffell.

In contrast, Leinster's head coach Leo Cullen has significantly revamped his team, making 12 changes from their last match. Key personnel returning include Ireland fly-half Sam Prendergast, and the front row sees changes with Jerry Cahir, Thomas Clarkson, and Ronan Kelleher. James Ryan will captain the side from lock. Ulster currently holds a narrow advantage in the URC table, sitting third, one point and one place above Leinster. Their last meeting in December resulted in a 24-20 win for Leinster.