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Fitzgerald Slots Back In On The Wing For Leinster

Fitzgerald Slots Back In On The Wing For Leinster

Ahead of the Captain’s Run in UCD this afternoon, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has announced his team for Saturday’s GUINNESS PRO12 derby showdown with Connacht at the Sportsground (kick-off 5.15pm).

For the trip to Galway, Leo Cullen is able to call on 12 players who were involved in the matchday and extended squads with Ireland last weekend against Scotland in the Six Nations.

He is also able to bring back in the fit-again Luke Fitzgerald who returns for this first time since January to make his 150th appearance for the province. 

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With Fergus McFadden resuming on the right wing, captain Isa Nacewa, who makes his 100th PRO12 appearance on Saturday, reverts to full-back with Fitzgerald taking up the number 11 jersey.

Ben Te’o and Garry Ringrose continue in midfield and Luke McGrath starts again at scrum half with Ian Madigan joining him at half-back.

Cian Healy comes in at loosehead prop with Richardt Strauss starting at hooker, and young tighthead Tadhg Furlong completes the front row. 

Behind them, Ross Molony and Hayden Triggs will combine in the second row, while in the back row Dominic Ryan starts at blindside flanker with Josh van der Flier and Rhys Ruddock back from Ireland duty to complete the pack.

Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Jamie Heaslip and Eoin Reddan are all included on the bench, alongside fellow Ireland international Noel Reid and Springbok Zane Kirchner.

LEINSTER (v Connacht): Isa Nacewa (capt); Fergus McFadden, Garry Ringrose, Ben Te’o, Luke Fitzgerald; Ian Madigan, Luke McGrath; Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss, Tadhg Furlong, Ross Molony, Hayden Triggs, Dominic Ryan, Josh van der Flier, Rhys Ruddock.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Jamie Heaslip, Eoin Reddan, Noel Reid, Zane Kirchner.