Champions Cup Showdown: Leinster Stars Return as Dombrandt Leads Harlequins Charge at Croke Park

Preview of Leinster vs Harlequins Champions Cup clash featuring returning international stars and tactical lineup changes at Dublin's historic Croke Park.

Team News and Key Returns

Leinster has reinforced their squad with six Ireland internationals returning for Saturday's high-stakes Investec Champions Cup knockout match against Harlequins. Meanwhile, the London outfit welcomes back their inspirational captain Alex Dombrandt to spearhead their challenge at the iconic Croke Park stadium.

Leinster's Strengthened Lineup

  • Dan Sheehan starts at hooker after Ronan Kelleher's neck injury
  • Sam Prendergast gets the nod at fly-half in a bold selection
  • Pack features Six Nations stars including Caelan Doris (captain), Josh van der Flier, and Andrew Porter
  • Bench boasts 150kg of firepower with Tadhg Furlong and RG Snyman
  • Kiwi superstar Jordie Barrett among impact substitutes

Harlequins' Tactical Reshuffle

Harlequins boss Danny Wilson makes six changes following their Premiership defeat:

  • Dombrandt returns at No.8, pushing Chandler Cunningham-South to lock
  • Experienced fullback Leigh Halfpenny replaces injured Argentine Rodrigo Isgro
  • Youthful midfield pairing of Oscar Beard and Ben Waghorn
  • Marcus Smith retains his pivotal role at fly-half

Historic Venue, High Stakes

This marks the first rugby match at Croke Park since 2009, with:

  • Capacity crowd expected at the 82,300-seat stadium
  • Winner advances to face either La Rochelle or Stormers
  • Leinster seeking record-equaling fifth European title

Key Battlegrounds

  1. Breakdown duel: Van der Flier vs Evans
  2. Midfield clash: Henshaw/Ringrose vs Waghorn/Beard
  3. Set piece: Sheehan's throwing vs Launchbury's lineout reads

Recent Form Guide

Team Last 5 Results Top Try Scorer
Leinster WWWWL James Lowe (7)
Harlequins LWWLW Cadan Murley (9)

Broadcast Information

  • Kickoff: 15:00 BST, Saturday 5 April
  • Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport
  • Weather Forecast: 12°C with light rain (60% humidity)

This European classic promises fireworks as two attack-minded teams collide with quarter-final berths on the line.

What to Read Next

Historic Thursday Night Kickoff Marks the Start of 2025-26 Prem Rugby Season
Rugby

Historic Thursday Night Kickoff Marks the Start of 2025-26 Prem Rugby Season

The 2025-26 Prem Rugby season begins with a historic Thursday night game between Sale Sharks and Gloucester, setting a new tone for the season.

Jac Morgan: From Welsh Valleys to Lions Glory
Rugby

Jac Morgan: From Welsh Valleys to Lions Glory

Discover how Jac Morgan's journey from the Welsh valleys to the British and Irish Lions' Test arena exemplifies dedication and skill in rugby.

Natasha Hunt's Emotional Comeback: A Journey to the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup
Rugby

Natasha Hunt's Emotional Comeback: A Journey to the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

Natasha Hunt shares her emotional journey and determination as she secures her spot in England's squad for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.

Owen Farrell Leads British & Irish Lions Against First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne Clash
Rugby

Owen Farrell Leads British & Irish Lions Against First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne Clash

Owen Farrell captains the British & Irish Lions in a historic match against the First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne. Discover the team line-ups and key insights.

BBC Enhances Premiership Women's Rugby Coverage for 2025-27 Seasons
Rugby

BBC Enhances Premiership Women's Rugby Coverage for 2025-27 Seasons

BBC Sport expands its coverage of Premiership Women's Rugby, streaming matches weekly and broadcasting key games live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Hannah Dallavalle Thrives in New Role Post-Captaincy: A Fresh Chapter in Welsh Rugby
Rugby

Hannah Dallavalle Thrives in New Role Post-Captaincy: A Fresh Chapter in Welsh Rugby

Hannah Dallavalle shares her journey post-captaincy, focusing on her role in the Wales rugby team and her aspirations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Fearless Valetini: Australia's Key to Overcoming the Lions in Melbourne Showdown
Rugby

Fearless Valetini: Australia's Key to Overcoming the Lions in Melbourne Showdown

Discover how Rob Valetini, Australia's powerhouse, is pivotal in the Wallabies' strategy against the British and Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

British & Irish Lions Bolster Squad with Scottish Trio for Crucial Matches
Rugby

British & Irish Lions Bolster Squad with Scottish Trio for Crucial Matches

The British & Irish Lions have added Scottish stars Darcy Graham, Rory Sutherland, and Ewan Ashman to their squad for upcoming matches against Pasifika XV and Australia.

England's Rugby World Cup 2025 Squad: Hunt and Scarratt Lead the Charge
Rugby

England's Rugby World Cup 2025 Squad: Hunt and Scarratt Lead the Charge

England's Rugby World Cup 2025 squad features veterans Natasha Hunt and Emily Scarratt, aiming for glory on home soil.

James O'Connor Returns to Wallabies Squad for Epic Clash Against British and Irish Lions
Rugby

James O'Connor Returns to Wallabies Squad for Epic Clash Against British and Irish Lions

James O'Connor rejoins the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Test series against the British and Irish Lions, bringing experience and excitement to the team.

Lions Tour Shake-Up: Williams Out, White Steps In for Crucial Matches
Rugby

Lions Tour Shake-Up: Williams Out, White Steps In for Crucial Matches

Tomos Williams exits the Lions tour due to injury, with Ben White called up as a replacement. Insights on team dynamics and upcoming challenges.

Owen Farrell's Lions Call-Up: A Strategic Masterstroke or Controversial Decision?
Rugby

Owen Farrell's Lions Call-Up: A Strategic Masterstroke or Controversial Decision?

Explore the debate around Owen Farrell's inclusion in the British and Irish Lions tour, his impact on the team, and the controversy it has sparked.

All Blacks Overcome Early Setback to Secure Series Victory Against France
Rugby

All Blacks Overcome Early Setback to Secure Series Victory Against France

The All Blacks triumphed over France 29-19 in Hamilton, completing a series clean sweep despite early challenges.

Garry Ringrose Withdraws from Lions Squad Ahead of Crucial Second Test Against Australia
Rugby

Garry Ringrose Withdraws from Lions Squad Ahead of Crucial Second Test Against Australia

Garry Ringrose withdraws from the British and Irish Lions squad due to concussion, impacting the team's strategy for the second Test against Australia.

Owen Farrell's Bench Role in Lions' Final Pre-Test Match: A Strategic Move?
Rugby

Owen Farrell's Bench Role in Lions' Final Pre-Test Match: A Strategic Move?

Explore Owen Farrell's strategic bench role in the British and Irish Lions' final match before the Test series against Australia.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.