All Blacks star set to make first Champions Cup start this weekend

The All Black, who has 86 caps for his nation, gets the nod in midfield after an eye-catching debut off the bench last week, stepping in alongside Robbie Henshaw to form a hugely experienced centre partnership.

Cullen has made seven changes in total for the trip to Mattioli Woods Welford Road, three of which are forced. Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose and RG Snyman all miss out through injury.

Ringrose and Snyman are considered “week-to-week”, while Larmour faces a longer spell on the sidelines after requiring surgery on the hamstring injury he suffered against Harlequins.

Perhaps the biggest call in the backs comes at fly-half, where Harry Byrne replaces Sam Prendergast, with Cullen opting to give the older of the two playmakers a chance to steer the side.

Byrne will partner Jamison Gibson-Park, with Prendergast missing out after starting last week’s game.

Out wide, James Lowe shakes off a minor knock to return on the left wing, while Tommy O’Brien stays on the right and Jimmy O’Brien continues at fullback.

Up front, Paddy McCarthy keeps his place at loosehead, teaming up with Rónan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong in the front row. Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson both shift to the bench.

There’s also a timely boost in the second row: James Ryan is back from suspension and set to make his 99th appearance for the province, partnering Joe McCarthy. The back row of Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris remains unchanged.