Vodacom Bulls coach Jake White called it a “test match” and the reaction to the top-of-the-table Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash from Irish log leaders Leinster has confirmed the importance of Friday’s showdown in Dublin.

19 of the 32-man roster for Ireland’s back-to-back Six Nations championships came from Leinster. Although some may have anticipated a little more respite before URC play resumed, the significance of the Bulls match means that several Irish test players will be positioned in the Leinster side for the crucial home match.

Several Irish test players are expected to be included in the matchday 23 lineup, including Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Jordan Lamour, and Garry Ringrose, who have all been approved to play against the Bulls, according to reports from Ireland.

While that hasn’t been confirmed yet, assistant coach Robin McBryde has confirmed that Leinster expect to put out a very strong side against the team just behind them on the log. And because of that, there will be no long rest periods for those who did battle in the Six Nations.

“It’s just a matter of sitting down and talking about how the players are doing, but because the season is coming to a conclusion, nobody should anticipate a lengthy layoff since we need to get started right away. That begins against a formidable Bulls club on Friday. They are competing up there and are most likely working to secure a home draw in the future. Therefore, we will need to create cohesiveness and reintegrate everyone in a very short amount of time.