Leinster vs Racing 92 preview
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Leinster vs Racing 92 preview

Leinster return to European rugby action later today when they take on French side Racing 92 (1pm) 

This will be Leinster's first game since losing the previous final against another French side La Rochelle in May.

Leo Cullen's have won all of their 9 fixtures in the United Rugby Championship this year, but face a difficult test when they travel to France on Saturday.

The Top 14 side lie in second place in their domestic table

The likes of French international Gael Fickou, Finn Russell and others will provide a stern test this weekend.

One of the most interesting aspects of the game will be Stuart Lancaster facing off against the team he will be joining next year.

Lancaster has agreed to join the French giants at the end of the season.

Whatever happens it promises to be another European cracker.

Here are more details for the game later today.

Dublin , Ireland - 9 June 2022; Head coach Leo Cullen and senior coach Stuart Lancaster during the Leinster Rugby Captain's Run at the RDS Arena in Dublin. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

When is it on?

Saturday, December 10

What TV station is it on?.

Fans can tune into BT Sport 1.  BeIN Sports, SuperSport and FloRugby are also showing the game for people outside the UK and Ireland

What time does it start?

Kick off is at 1pm Irish time

What time does coverage start?

Coverage begins at 12.30pm

Where is it on? 

Stade Oceane

Odds for the game

https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/european-rugby-champions-cup/racing-92-v-leinster/winner

Teams for the game

Leinster 

Fullback: 15. Hugo Keenan

Winger: 14.Jimmy O’Brien

Centres: 13. Garry Ringrose (capt),, 12.Charlie Ngatai,

Winger: 11.James Lowe

Outhalf: 10. Ross Byrne 9,. Scrumhalf. Jamison Gibson-Park;

Front row: 1.,Andrew Porter, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Michael Ala’alatoa

Second row: 4.James Ryan, 5. Jason Jenkins

Backrow: 6.Ryan Baird, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Ed Byrne, Cian Healy, Ross Molony, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne, Jamie Osborne.

Racing 92

Fullback: 15. Max Spring

Winger: 14. Christian Wade

Centres: 13.Francis Saili , 12. Gael Fickou

Winger: 11. Juan Imhoff

Outhalf: 10. Finn Russel 9,. Scrumhalf.Nolann  le Garrec

Front row: 1.Eddy. Ben Arous, 2. Camille Cat 3. Cedete. Gomes Sa

Second row: 4. Cameron. Woki 5. Fabien Sanconnie

Backrow: 6.Wenceslas.Lauret 7. Ibrahim. Diallo 8. Maxime. Baudonnne

Replacements: J Tarrit, H. Kolingar, T. Nyakane, B. Palu, A. Bresler, B. Chouzenoux, A. Gibert, Klemenczak

Where are both teams in their tables?

Leo Cullen's have won all of their 9 fixtures in the United Rugby Championship this year.

The Top 14 side lie in second place in their domestic table

What happened last time the sides met ?

Leinster became European champions for the fourth time in 2018 after a thrilling 15-12 win over Racing 92 in the European Rugby Champions Cup Final at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.

What have the people said ?

Hugo Keenan: “I think going on to an Astro pitch indoors would have been nearly more of a challenge. But it’s still going to be a huge challenge going over to France.

“Going anywhere, their fans are going to travel, they’re going to come in strong numbers. They’re a passionate bunch and playing really well so it’s going to be a tough match no matter where you’re playing them.”

Dublin , Ireland - 6 December 2021; Leinster players Hugo Keenan, left, and Rónan Kelleher arrive for squad training at UCD in Dublin. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)