Huge domestic tests for Heineken Champions Cup finalists

Heineken Champions Cup finalists Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochleais are involved in massive domestic clashes on Saturday as their Dublin showdown edges ever closer.

Leinster, who thrashed Stade Toulousain in the semi-finals last weekend, host Cell C Sharks in the BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-finals.

The Irish province have made a swathe of changes for the clash at the Aviva Stadium, the scene of their Toulouse decimation and the venue for the Heineken Champions Cup final on May 20.

Props Michael Milne and Tadhg Furlong come into the front row while Ryan Baird and Jason Jenkins, who scored Leinster’s fifth try against Toulouse, form a fresh second row. Max Deegan and Scott Penny are included in the back row so Caelan Doris switches to No.8

There is a new halfback pairing as Luke McGrath and Harry Byrne start, the latter making his 50th Leinster appearance. Ciarán Frawley replaces Garry Ringrose at outside centre and there are fresh legs on wing as Dave Kearney is brought in.

Meanwhile, Stade Rochelais, who crushed Exeter Chiefs in last weekend’s Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals, visit EPCR Challenge Cup finalists RC Toulon in a crucial TOP 14 battle at the Stade Félix Mayol.

Heineken Champions Cup holders La Rochelle need to win to keep the pressure on leaders Toulouse, while Toulon are battling for a place in the play-offs.