Leinster have named a 41 player squad for the opening two rounds of their URC title defence in South Africa, a markedly stronger touring group than the one that began last season there.
They face the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 26 September, then travel to Durban to play the Sharks on Saturday, 3 October. The reigning champions are not easing their way into the new campaign.
A different trip this time
Leinster returned one point from their opening South African trip last season, when their British and Irish Lions contingent was unavailable. Leo Cullen has far more experience at his disposal this time, with 15 players involved in Ireland's opening Nations Championship matches in Australia and New Zealand included in the travelling group.
Jamison Gibson-Park is the exception. Andrew Porter is back after missing the summer trip, while Peter Dooley and Joey Carbery are part of the group after returning to the province.
The depth test starts immediately
The squad also includes uncapped players Tadhg Brophy, Dylan McNeice and Todd Lawlor. That is the useful part of a long tour. Leinster need their established internationals to set the standard, but they also need younger players to show they can carry a proper URC week.
Johannesburg and Durban will ask different questions, but neither fixture leaves much room for a sleepy start. A winning South African tour would give Leinster real momentum before Cardiff visit Dublin in October. A poor one would put pressure on the champions before the season has properly found its shape.
Reporting: The Irish Times