Cardiff Blues and Leinster name their sides for season opener

Caelan Doris will have his first run on start for Leinster tomorrow night as they travel to Cardiff Arms Park to open up their title defence. Wallaby star, Joe Tomane, will make his Leinster and Pro 14 debut as he starts in the midfield with Rory O'Loughlin.

The Leinster side feature 5 club centurions with Ruddock, Bent, Kearney, Reid and McFadden having all passed 100 appearances.

Captained by Rhys Ruddock the Irish side will look to get their campaign off to the perfect start. The defending Champions have won their last 2 opening games and last lost in Round 1 in the 2015/16 season away at Edinburgh

Leinster side to face Cardiff Blues:

Jenkins, Lee-Lo, Dacey and Williams are all straight back into the starting side with Harries, Thornton and Arhip making their Cardiff Blues debut after joining the region.

Head coach John Mulvihill is under no illusion as to what awaits his side as they face the Pro 14 and European Champions.

He said: “It is a great way for us to kick-off the season – the European Challenge Cup champions against the PRO14 and Champions Cup winners. It promises to be an awesome occasion in Cardiff and we cannot wait to get started."

Nigel Owens will referee the game and for more match news, stats and live updates tap here

Last time these two sides met at Cardiff Arms Park