Ringrose returns to starting team for Leinster v Bulls

Garry Ringrose will make his long-awaited return from injury for Leinster in Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Bulls in Pretoria (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

The centre has played just one game since the end of January due to a persistent shoulder injury, but comes straight into Leo Cullen’s side as the only change from last week’s quarter-final win against Ulster.

Ringrose replaces Jamie Osborne in midfield, starting at outside centre, with Robbie Henshaw shifting inside to the 12 shirt.

The rest of the team is unchanged, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Ross Byrne in the half-backs, and a back-three of James Lowe, Jordan Larmour and the in-form Jimmy O’Brien.

Up front, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong pack down together, with James Ryan captaining the side at lock, alongside Joe McCarthy.

The back row sees Caelan Doris pack down at number 8, in between flankers Josh van der Flier and Ryan Baird.

Jack Conan has also recovered from injury, and comes into the replacements, with Ciarán Frawley covering out-half from the bench.

Meanwhile, the Bulls have been able to recall World Cup winner Marco van Staden to their team, among three changes from their win over Benetton last week.

The 28-year-old missed the 30-23 win due to a hand injury, and returns to the back row in place of Nizaam Carr.

The remaining changes come on the wings, with Devon Williams starting on the left in place of the injured Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Sergeal Peterson replaces Sebastian de Klerk in the 14 shirt.

Bulls: Willie Le Roux; Sergeal Peterson, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Devon Williams; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Gerhard Steenkamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw; Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje (capt); Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom

Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Simphiwe Matanzima, Francois Klopper, Reinhardt Ludwig, Nizaam Carr, Keagan Johannes, Chris Smith, Cornel Smit

Leinster: Jimmy O’Brien; Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan (capt), Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Michael Ala’alatoa, Ross Molony, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Ciarán Frawley, Jamie Osborne

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Watch the URC semi-final, Bulls v Leinster, on Saturday from 2.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player,

Listen to live commentary of Bulls v Leinster, and Munster v Glasgow Warriors on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1, and follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.