LEINSTER HAVE RETAINED Ian Madigan at inside centre for tomorrow evening’s Guinness Pro12 clash with Connacht in Galway [KO 19.35].
The 25-year-old delivered a promising performance in the 12 shirt last weekend against the Scarlets and continues his midfield partnership with Brendan Macken outside out-half Jimmy Gopperth.
Matt O’Connor has made just two changes to his starting XV for the inter-provincial fixture, with Fergus McFadden replacing the injured Zane Kirchner on the wing and Rhys Ruddock coming into the team in place of Shane Jennings.
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That alteration means Dominic Ryan shifts over to the openside flank, with Ruddock wearing the number six shirt.
On the bench, Gordon D’Arcy is named in Leinster’s matchday squad for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, Connacht head coach Pat Lam has opted to make just a single change to his starting team following last weekend’s dramatic win away to Edinburgh.
Robbie Henshaw is at 13 again for Connacht. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Aly Muldowney replaces Mick Kearney in the second row for the western province, partnering Quinn Roux, who is currently on loan from Leinster.
There are three new faces on the bench as sub-academy hooker Shane Delahunt, prop Ronan Loughney and wing Matt Healy hope for their first appearances of the campaign, but Lam has largely gone for stability after two wins from the opening two games in the Pro12.
Jack Carty and Kieran Marmion will again direct a young backline that sees Robbie Henshaw at outside centre and Darragh Leader at fullback.
John Muldoon captains the side for what should be an excellent early-season derby.
Connacht: Darragh Leader, Niyi Adeolokun, Robbie Henshaw, Dave McSharry, Danie Poolman; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Nathan White; Aly Muldowney, Quinn Roux; John Muldoon (capt.), Willie Faloon, Eoin McKeon.
Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Ronan Loughney, Rodney Ah You, Mick Kearney, George Naoupu, Ian Porter, Craig Ronaldson, Matt Healy.
Leinster: Rob Kearney; Fergus McFadden, Brendan Macken, Ian Madigan, Darragh Fanning; Jimmy Gopperth, Isaac Boss; Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy; Rhys Ruddock, Dominic Ryan, Jamie Heaslip (capt.).
Replacements: Bryan Byrne, Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, Tom Denton, Shane Jennings, Eoin Reddan, Gordon D’Arcy, Mick McGrath.
Madigan stays at 12 for Leinster, while Connacht make one change
LEINSTER HAVE RETAINED Ian Madigan at inside centre for tomorrow evening’s Guinness Pro12 clash with Connacht in Galway [KO 19.35].
The 25-year-old delivered a promising performance in the 12 shirt last weekend against the Scarlets and continues his midfield partnership with Brendan Macken outside out-half Jimmy Gopperth.
Matt O’Connor has made just two changes to his starting XV for the inter-provincial fixture, with Fergus McFadden replacing the injured Zane Kirchner on the wing and Rhys Ruddock coming into the team in place of Shane Jennings.
That alteration means Dominic Ryan shifts over to the openside flank, with Ruddock wearing the number six shirt.
On the bench, Gordon D’Arcy is named in Leinster’s matchday squad for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, Connacht head coach Pat Lam has opted to make just a single change to his starting team following last weekend’s dramatic win away to Edinburgh.
Aly Muldowney replaces Mick Kearney in the second row for the western province, partnering Quinn Roux, who is currently on loan from Leinster.
There are three new faces on the bench as sub-academy hooker Shane Delahunt, prop Ronan Loughney and wing Matt Healy hope for their first appearances of the campaign, but Lam has largely gone for stability after two wins from the opening two games in the Pro12.
Jack Carty and Kieran Marmion will again direct a young backline that sees Robbie Henshaw at outside centre and Darragh Leader at fullback.
John Muldoon captains the side for what should be an excellent early-season derby.
O’Connell and Murray return for Munster’s clash with Zebre
Lam’s infectious energy setting the tone for reinvigorated Connacht
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