Cian Healy to break Leinster appereance record against Dragons

Cian Healy to make record-breaking 281st appearance for Leinster as Van der Flier and McCarthy named on the bench

Cian Healy has been named in the Leinster starting XV for Friday’s game with Dragons in the Aviva Stadium.

Thus, clearing the way for Healy to become the sole owner of the record for most appearances for Leinster Rugby.

Indeed, Healy’s 281st outing in blue will see him break a tie with Leinster legend Devin Toner. Toner’s record was equalled in last Friday's win over Edinburgh.

There are seven changes to the starting XV from the 33-31 win in Scotland. There are nine changes to the matchday 23 for Leinster's first home game of the new campaign.

Jamie Osborne lines up again at full-back to earn his 50th Leinster cap, alongside Jordan Larmour once more. Whereas, Jimmy O'Brien replaces the injured Tommy O'Brien.

Indeed, two Academy players have been named in the starting team, with another two named among the replacements. Indeed, Charlie Tector, who was added to the Emerging Ireland squad after his try-scoring heroics in Edinburgh, is joined in the centre by Liam Turner.

Last week's half-back replacements, Ross Byrne and Luke McGrath have been drafted into the starting line-up. Whereas, record-breaker Healy is joined in the front row by Academy hooker Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson.

James Ryan and Jack Conan start

James Ryan continues in the second-row, this time alongside Brian Deeny, who is promoted to the starting team after coming on as a replacement in Scotland last Friday.

Jack Conan captains the side once more. While, Max Deegan keeping his place in the team and Will Connors due to hit a half century of caps.

Indeed, Michael Milne, who was withdrawn from the season opener after 48 minutes with an ankle injury, has been named on the bench. Alongside summer signing Rabah Slimani and hooker Lee Barron.

Whereas, Ireland internationals Josh van der Flier and Joe McCarthy make up the remainder of the forward reinforcements. Indeed, Academy duo Fintan Gunne and Aitzol King take their place among the replacements as Harry Byrne covers at out-half.

Leinster: 15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Jordan Larmour, 13. Liam Turner, 12. Charlie Tector, 11. Jimmy O'Brien, 10. Ross Byrne, 9. Luke McGrath, 1. Cian Healy, 2. Gus McCarthy, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Brian Deeny, 5. James Ryan, 6. Max Deegan, 7. Will Connors, 8. Jack Conan (C).

Replacements: 16. Lee Barron, 17. Michael Milne, 18. Rabah Slimani, 19. Joe McCarthy, 20. Josh van der Flier, 21. Fintan Gunne, 22. Harry Byrne, 23. Aitzol King.