LEINSTER HAVE BEEN boosted by the return of a number of injured stars for their pool-topping trip to Harlequins.
Rob Kearney, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald and Mike McCarthy have all overcome fitness concerns and will start Sunday’s sold-out Champions Cup clash.
Coach Matt O’Connor makes 10 changes in total to the side which beat the Ospreys with a handful of Irish internationals also ready for action following the November Series.
Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin and Mike Ross make up an imposing front row while Devin Toner, Rhys Ruddock and Jamie Heaslip also start.
Eoin Reddan and Jimmy Gopperth are retained in the half-backs which means another start in the centre for Ian Madigan, who has shaken off a minor ankle injury.
Gordon D’Arcy starts outside him in place of Fergus McFadden who is expected to miss up to six weeks with a thumb injury.
England captain Chris Robshaw will make his 200th senior appearance for Quins who also welcome back Mike Brown, Marland Yarde and captain Joe Marler from international duty.
Kick-off at the Stoop is at 3.15pm on Sunday. The game is live on BT Sport.
Harlequins
15. Mike Brown
14. Marland Yarde
13. Matt Hopper
12. George Lowe
11. Aseli Tikoirotuma
10. Nick Evans
9. Danny Care
1. Joe Marler (c)
2. Dave Ward
3. Will Collier
4. Charlie Matthews
5. George Robson
6. Luke Wallace
7. Chris Robshaw
8. Nick Easter
Replacements:
16. Joe Gray
17. Mark Lambert
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Sam Twomey
20. Jack Clifford
21. Karl Dickson
22. Tim Swiel
23. Tom Casson
Leinster
15. Rob Kearney
14. Darragh Fanning
13. Gordon D’Arcy
12. Ian Madigan
11. Luke Fitzgerald
10. Jimmy Gopperth
9. Eoin Reddan
1. Jack McGrath
2. Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Mike McCarthy
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Jordi Murphy
8. Jamie Heaslip (c)
Replacements:
16. Bryan Byrne
17. Michael Bent
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Kane Douglas
20. Jack Conan
21. Isaac Boss
22. Noel Reid
23. Zane Kirchner
