Also returning to the westerners' starting fifteen are Fionn Carr, Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy, Ronan Loughney, Robbie Morris, Mike McCarthy and Ray Ofisa.

Full-back Gavin Duffy and loosehead prop Brett Wilkinson are two notable absentees, with Duffy having injured his jaw in last week's loss to Munster and Wilkinson nursing a hand injury.

Jamie Hagan has recovered from a finger injury to feature again in the Connacht front row, while Troy Nathan will line out at full-back in a reshuffled back-line.

The surface of the pitch at the Sportsground has been covered in a bid to beat the big freeze and ensure that Saturday's eagerly awaited game goes ahead.

Supporters are advised to allow plenty of to get to the game which will kick off at 4pm.

CONNACHT (v Leinster): Troy Nathan; Liam Bibo, Niva Ta'auso, Keith Matthews, Fionn Carr; Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy; Ronan Loughney, Sean Cronin, Robbie Morris, Mike McCarthy, Bernie Upton, John Muldoon (capt), Ray Ofisa, George Naoupu.

Replacements: Adrian Flavin, Jamie Hagan, Michael Swift, Andrew Browne, Conor O'Loughlin, Miah Nikora, Aidan Wynne.