Mix and match from the reigning champions as they welcome red-hot Connacht
Matt O’Connor has opted to rest many of the players that helped maintain Leinster’s Champions Cup quarter final push. Connacht arrive in Dublin on Friday seeking to add to their four-match winning run and determined to do their first ever seasonal double over their interprovincial rivals.
Luke Fitzgerald earned high praise from O’Connor after his outside centre stint against Harlequins last weekend. He retains his jersey and is partnered by Noel Reid in midfield after Ian Madigan sustained a knock last time out. Dave Kearney is back and named on the left wing.
The front row has a suck-it-and-see look as Michael Bent starts at loose-head along with Aaron Dundon and promising tight-head Tadhg Furlong. Devin Toner and Kane Douglas continue their burgeoning second row partnership while Kevin McLaughlin and Shane Jennings return to the back row to keep captain Jamie Heaslip company.
Pat Lam has named a strong Connacht team that includes Robbie Henshaw at outside centre, one out from Super Rugby star Bundee Aki. Mils Muliaina and Tom McCartney – also tempted over from New Zealand in the summer – started at fullback and hooker respectively.
Leinster take on Connacht at the RDS from 7:45pm on Friday.
LEINSTER: Rob Kearney; Zane Kirchner, Luke Fitzgerald, Noel Reid, Dave Kearney; Jimmy Gopperth, Isaac Boss; Michael Bent, Aaron Dundon, Tahdg Furlong; Devin Toner, Kane Douglas, Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip (c).
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Maks Van Dyk, Jack Conan, Jordi Murphy, Luke McGrath, Cathal Marsh, Gordon D’Arcy.
CONNACHT: Mils Muliaina; Danie Poolman, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You; Quinn Roux, Aly Muldowney; John Muldoon (c), Eoin McKeon, George Naoupu.
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Ronan Loughney, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Willie Faloon, Caolin Blade, Craig Ronaldson, Darragh Leader.
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