After Harry and Ross, Ross and Sam, Sam and Ross, it’s the turn of Ross and Harry tonight, jostling Byrne brothers in a side brimming with a surfeit of showmanship in its pivotal position.
Sam Prendergast is in South Africa with Emerging Ireland, and all the while, a re-emerging Ciarán Frawley waits in the wings, hardly required to learn a role he has fulfilled with such aplomb in a green shirt.
And yet, the Leinster faithful are unsure as to who they might see deliver the opening lines when Munster, their first true test of the campaign, pitch up in Croke Park next month.
With tickets still selling for that grand occasion, the word from the director advises the expectant audience to wait and see.
Earlier in the week, it seemed the advice had been to counsel that there would be an absence of hierarchy.
Leo Cullen now seems to confirm that there will indeed be confirmation of a lead actor. And so tonight represents another audition.
“Yeah, it’s competitive,” concedes Cullen. “Frawls is out there and keen to play ten as well. So we’re a bit spoilt for choice.
“Sam is off with Emerging Ireland and we’ll see how Ross and Harry go tonight. We’re very lucky we have four unbelievably talented tens. It’s a good position for us to be in.
“We talked a few weeks ago about how we give them opportunities, which is good because we get to see them playing. Some of them may get a little frustrated with that.
“But it’s been explained to everybody that this is the way we’re doing things. Whoever steps forward will continue on then.
“At some point, you are placing your faith in somebody and we will see where we go from there. They’ve all shown good moments this season, so we will see how this game works out.
“Ross has run the team well, Harry is itching for an opportunity and is ready to go. It’s been good. Everyone is intrigued by how it is all going to be played out.”
More drama awaits this evening before an audience confined to the lower tiers, with no requirement to fill the box seats, a reflection on the visiting troupe.
Dragons are game but limited; the excitement will be generated by the hosts, and their ongoing play within a play.
Verdict: Leinster
Leinster: J Osborne; J Larmour, L Turner, C Tector, J O’Brien; R Byrne, L McGrath; C Healy, G McCarthy, T Clarkson, B Deeny, J Ryan, M Deegan, W Connors, J Conan capt. Reps: L Barron, M Milne, R Slimani, J McCarthy, J van der Flier, F Gunne, H Byrne, A King.
Dragons: A O’Brien; R Dyer, H Wilson, S Hughes, J Rosser; L Evans, D Blacker; R Martinez, B Coghlan, C Coleman, B Carter capt, G Nott, R Woodman, H Keddie, S Lewis-Hughes. Reps: O Burrows, R Jones, L Yendle, M Screech, G Young, R Williams, J Westwood, E Rosser.
Leinster v Dragons, Aviva Stadium, live 7.35, TG4 and Premier Sports
