Leinster loaded down to the bench

Leinster arrive in Galway for the biggest interprovincial derby ever hosted at the Sportsground with a bench packed with talent as they aim to hit the top of the Guinness PRO12 table for the first time this season.

Leinster coach Leo Cullen has named 11 internationals in his starting XV with Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss, Josh van der Flier, Ian Madigan and Luke Fitzgerald all returned to his side after Six Nations duty or injury.

However, the visitors’ list of reserves is stocked with Ireland front liners including Jack McGrath, Mike Ross, Devin Toner and Jamie Heaslip – all eight of the Leinster replacements are internationals and share 367 caps between them.