LUKE FITZGERALD WILL win his 150th Leinster cap tomorrow when he runs out against Pro12 leaders Connacht at the Sportsground (KO 17.15, TG4 and Sky Sports).
Fitzgerald suffered a knee injury during Ireland’s Six Nations preparations, but returns on the left wing outside of the terrific partnership of Ben Te’o and Garry Ringrose.
Head coach Leo Cullen has been able to call upon a host of internationals for the pivotal clash in Galway, however, Jonathan Sexton has not been included in the matchday 23.
Ian Madigan will run from the out-half slot with Noel Reid providing cover from the bench. Leinster will hope the depth of their replacements can help sway the result as Reid is one of eight internationals in reserve, including Jack McGrath, Mike Ross, Devin Toner and Jamie Heaslip.
Leinster team to face Connacht (provincial caps in brackets)
15. Isa Nacewa (144) (Capt)
14. Fergus McFadden (139)
13. Garry Ringrose (16)
12. Ben Te’o (33)
11. Luke Fitzgerald (149)
10. Ian Madigan (141)
9. Luke McGrath (43)
1. Cian Healy (150)
2. Richardt Strauss (124)
3. Tadhg Furlong (44)
4. Ross Molony (17)
5. Hayden Triggs (10)
6. Dominic Ryan (101)
7. Josh van der Flier (20)
8. Rhys Ruddock (106)
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin (107)
17. Jack McGrath (89)
18. Mike Ross (128)
19. Devin Toner (176)
20. Jamie Heaslip (211)
21. Eoin Reddan (133)
22. Noel Reid (57)
23. Zane Kirchner (61)
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