Leinster Make Changes For Connacht Game

The Leinster team to face Connacht in Sunday’s RaboDirect PRO12 derby match at the Sportsground (kick-off 5pm) has been named.

Isa Nacewa starts at full-back in a side which shows a number of changes to the one which lined out for the 42-13 victory over Ulster on St. Stephen’s Day.

Andrew Conway, who made a successful return from injury on Monday night, comes in on the left wing with David Kearney stationed on the right wing.

Brendan Macken will form a centre partnership with Eoin O’Malley, who will make his 42nd senior appearance for the province, and Isaac Boss links up with Ian Madigan at half-back.

Leo Cullen leads the team and partners Damian Browne in the second row with Jamie Hagan joining fellow Academy graduate Jack McGrath in the front row alongside Richardt Strauss, who made his 50th Leinster appearance against Ulster.

Final decisions on the make-up of the back row, and also the replacement back row and replacement outside back slots will be made closer to kick-off.

LEINSTER (v Connacht): Isa Nacewa; David Kearney, Eoin O’Malley, Brendan Macken, Andrew Conway; Ian Madigan, Isaac Boss; Jack McGrath, Richardt Strauss, Jamie Hagan, Leo Cullen (capt), Damian Browne, Rhys Ruddock, Kevin McLaughlin/Shane Jennings, Leo Auva’a.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Heinke van der Merwe, Nathan White, Devin Toner, Shane Jennings/Jordi Murphy, John Cooney, Noel Reid/Fionn Carr, Luke Fitzgerald.