Guinness Pro12: Leinster v Connacht preview

Leinster wing Dave Kearney returns from injury to face Connacht in Friday’s Pro12 derby at the RDS.

The Ireland international missed the back-to-back European Champions Cup fixtures with Harlequins due to a hip problem, but returns for just his third appearance of the season.

Kearney is one of seven changes to the Leinster team that narrowly defeated Quins at the Aviva Stadium last weekend.

Three of those come in the backs, with Kearney and Zane Kirchner selected on the wings and Noel Reid partnering Luke Fitzgerald in the centre.

There are five changes in the pack, which includes a completely new front row of Michael Bent, Aaron Dundon and Tadhg Furlong. Flanker Shane Jennings will win his 201st cap after recovering from injury, while he is joined in the back row by Kevin McLaughlin.

Prop Maks van Dyke is named on the bench, having been signed last week on a short-term contract.

Having rung the changes for last weekend’s win in Bayonne, Connacht head coach Pat Lam has recalled his big guns as they seek a first-ever victory at the RDS.

Aly Muldowney is the one remaining player from the team that recorded a last-gasp 29-27 success in France.

Robbie Henshaw returns at outside centre following his involvement with Ireland in November. The 21-year-old is partnered by Bundee Aki, who starts in his preferred position of inside centre for the first time.

Mils Muliaina is named at full-back alongside wings Danie Poolman and Matt Healy, while Kieran Marmion – who scored a try at the RDS last year – and Jack Carty are the half-back partnership.

Up front, John Muldoon will captain the side from a back row featuring Eoin McKeon and George Naoupu. Quinn Roux, who is on loan from Leinster, partners Muldowney in the second row behind the front row trio of Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney and Rodney Ah You.

“Despite the six-day turnaround and tough 12 hour trips to and from France, we were able to have a good week's preparation due to the use of all our squad over the last three weeks,” said Lam.

“This was vital as we prepare for one of the biggest challenges of our season against the defending champions stacked with quality players and in a venue where we have never won.

"While there is huge interest and excitement from supporters, we know that we will have to be fully focused on executing our roles, the game plan and our team work to give us any chance of success.

“If we do that the Connacht way, I have no doubt that we are capable of creating history on Friday night.”

Leinster: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Zane Kirchner, 13 Luke Fitzgerald, 12 Noel Reid, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Isaac Boss; 1 Michael Bent, 2 Aaron Dundon, 3 Tahdg Furlong, 4 Devin Toner, 5 Kane Douglas, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 7 Shane Jennings, 8 Jamie Heaslip (c).

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Maks Van Dyk, 19 Jack Conan, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Cathal Marsh, 23 Gordon D'Arcy.

Connacht: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Danie Poolman, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Matt Healy, 10 Jack Carty, 9 Kieran Marmion; 1 Denis Buckley, 2 Tom McCartney, 3 Rodney Ah You, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Aly Muldowney, 6 John Muldoon (c), 7 Eoin McKeon, 8 George Naoupu.

Replacements: 16 Dave Heffernan, 17 Ronan Loughney, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Willie Faloon, 21 Caolin Blade, 22 Craig Ronaldson, 23 Darragh Leader.