Matt O’Connor names ten changes for Leinster team to take on Harlequins

Leinster head coach Matt O'Connor has announced his squad to travel to The Stoop for Sunday's Champions Cup game against Harlequins.

O'Connor makes ten changes from the side that saw off Ospreys last weekend in the Guinness PRO12, with the pack accounting for the majority of the adjustments. Flanker Jordi Murphy is the only forward to retain his place while O'Connor names a completely fresh front row of Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin and Mike Ross who make their returns from Autumn Series duty with the international side. Mike McCarthy has been passed fit after being withdrawn before kick-off last weekend and he starts alongside Devin Toner. Captain Jamie Heaslip returns to the back row at No. 8 with Rhys Ruddock starting at blindside flanker and the aforementioned Murphy retaining his place at openside. The three changes among the backs come at full back, outside centre and left wing with Rob Kearney, Gordon D'Arcy and Luke Fitzgerald all returning to the starting fifteen. The halfback pairing of Eoin Reddan and Jimy Gopperth are given the chance to continue their impressive partnership while centre Ian Madigan has shaken off an ankle knock that saw him replaced at half-time last week in time to start on Sunday. Darragh Fanning is handed yet another start on the right wing, continuing his record of playing every minute of rugby for Leinster this season.  

Captain @jamieheaslip @kearneyrob and @lukefitz11 among 10 changes for trip to Quins http://t.co/GokoN5d5T7 pic.twitter.com/2svQVfVhyR — Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 5, 2014