Follow Leinster vs Sharks LIVE.

Leinster vs Sharks: URC quarter-final LIVE scores

Follow the United Rugby Championship playoff Leinster vs Sharks that kicks off at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin at 18:00.

by James Richardson

06-05-2023 09:16

in United Rugby Championship

Follow Leinster vs Sharks LIVE.

Leinster vs Sharks LIVE scores: An imposing trip to Dublin has been made by the men from Durban.

Leinster vs Sharks: LIVE scores

Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has had his hand forced in naming a changed line-up. Following the loss of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and flyhalf Curwin Bosch who sustained injuries in the final pool game against Munster at Kings Park a fortnight ago. Lukhanyo Am takes over the captaincy in Kolisi’s absence.

James Venter replaces Kolisi, while Boeta Chamberlain moves from fullback to flyhalf to accommodate the loss of Bosch, with Aphelele Fassi starting at fullback.

Sharks and Springbok stars Fassi and Mapimpi — Sharks and Springbok stars Aphelele Fassi and Lukhanyo Mapimpi. Photo: Gallo Images.

In other changes, after a string of impressive performances in the Currie Cup recently, Corne Rahl returns to the side, having made his VURC debut earlier in the season against Connacht, the 20-year old is in for Jeandre Labuschagne who plays off the bench, while Marnus Potgieter replaces Werner Kok on the wing.

Luke McGrath captains Leinster, as his half-back partner Harry Byrne is set to make his 50th Leinster appearance from fly-half.

Hugo Keenan starts at fullback, with Jordan Larmour and Dave Kearney named on the wings.

Ciarán Frawley and Charlie Ngatai form the centre partnership for the first time this season, with Byrne and McGrath completing the backline.

Michael Milne and Tadhg Furlong pack down either side of Dan Sheehan in the front row, with Ryan Baird and Jason Jenkins in the heart of the pack.

Max Deegan and Scott Penny come into the back row, with Caelan Doris moving to number eight.

On the bench, there is a welcome return from injury for Joe McCarthy (pictured above), who is in line to feature for the first time since January.

Watch: Sharks coach John Plumtree shows off his rapping skills

What they said

Leinster’s Caelan Doris says the current crop of players want to add to the great legacy of the province.

“We’re all aware of some of the great players who have worn the shirt. We’re trying to build on that legacy and lay the foundations for future players to thrive,” Doris said.

“We want to inspire the players of the future, in the same way we have been inspired by previous players.”

With Leinster having clinched top spot and enjoying home ground advantage, they come into this game as favourites, which is not something that really bothers Cell C Sharks lock Gerbrandt Grobler.

“No-one gives us a chance, and that’s OK, we have a job to do and we believe in it, because if you don’t believe it, you can’t achieve it,” he explained from the team’s base in Dublin.

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“We have nothing to lose, and we’ll be throwing everything into it.”

He is equally philosophical about his team’s underdog status, saying: “What do you do, no-one gives you a chance, your back is against the wall, we’ll be going for it, why not believe? Anything can happen on the day: the bounce of the ball, a decision that goes your way, we’re going out there to give our best and enjoy ourselves.”

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Teams: Leinster vs Sharks

Leinster: Hugo Keenan, Jordan Larmour, Ciarán Frawley, Charlie Ngatai, Dave Kearney, Harry Byrne, Luke McGrath (CAPT), Michael Milne, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Ryan Baird, Jason Jenkins, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Caelan Doris

Replacements: John McKee. Andrew Porter. Cian Healy, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ross Byrne, Liam Turner

Cell C Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Marnus Potgieter, Lukhanyo Am (CAPT), Ben Tapuai, Makazole Mapimpi, Boeta Chamberlain, Grant Williams, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Corne Rahl, Gerbrandt Grobler, James Venter, Vincent Tshituka, Sikhumbuzo Notshe

Replacements: Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu. Carlu Sadie, Jeandre Labuschagne, Phepsi Buthelezi, Cameron Wright, Nevaldo Fleurs, Rohan Janse van Rensburg.