Leinster need win against Newport

Leinster’s struggle in the Celtic League means they must win their clash against Newport tonight at Donnybrook.

Coach Matt Williams says the loss of internationals and lack of experience have taken their toll on the defending champions.

“I think Munster have coped better but that comes down to experience. They have had five successful seasons whereas we really only have the one behind us. In that situation, you can’t buy experience.

“There is no doubt we suffered by losing our top players but we had some injury problems as well and that didn’t help,” Williams said.

“Still, there is no question of throwing in the towel. It’s now a question of gelling the whole thing together, getting guys to know one another again and going forward from here.”

Williams can call on Leinster Brian O'Driscoll, Malcolm O'Kelly and Keith Gleeson, while Andy Dunne and scrum-half Ben Willis have been sidelined by shoulder injuries, leaving the way clear for Christian Warner and Brian O'Meara to continue at half back.

Meanwhile, Munster make 10 changes in their side to play Neath tomorrow due to the availability of Irish internationals and captain Jim Williams, who is back from injury.

Alan Solomons has named both David Humphreys and Gary Longwell - who have returned from international duty - in his side to play Caerphilly tomorrow at Virginia Park.

Despite Humphreys' return, Solomons has once again given the captaincy to Jeremy Davidson who has taken the extra responsibility in his stride.

Meanwhile, Scott Young makes his first start of the season on the wing.

While Paddy Wallace and Andy Ward have longer term injuries, it is hoped that Russell Nelson will be back to full fitness within two weeks.

Sheldon Coulter played club rugby last weekend, having recovered from his foot injury, and Matt McCullough will be playing club rugby this weekend having been out of action for the past six weeks with a fractured cheek-bone.

Undefeated Connacht have made several changes to their side for tomorrow’s game against Pontypridd at the Galway Sportsgrounds.

Shane Moore replaces team captain Tim Allnutt, who will be out for some time due to a knee injury, while Dermot O’Sullivan is named at midfield, with Owen Reddan at scrum half.

Warwick Waugh, Michael Swift and John O’Sullivan have also been drafted into the forwards, while in the front row, Marnus Uijs is named at hooker and Ronan McCormack at tight-head prop.

LEINSTER: G Dempsey, D Hickie, B O’Driscoll, S Horgan, G D’Arcy, C Warner, B O’Meara; R Corrigan (captain), S Byrne, P Wallace, L Cullen, M O’Kelly, E Miller, V Costello, K Gleeson.

MUNSTER: J Staunton; J Kelly, M Mullins, R Henderson, M Lawlor; R O'Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; J Williams (capt), A Quinlan, A Foley.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; S Young, R Constable, J Bell, T Howe; D Humphreys, N Doak; J Fitzpatrick, M Sexton, R Kempson; G Longwell, J Davidson (Captain); W Brosnihan, N McMillan, T McWhirter.

CONNACHT: M McHugh; T Robinson, D O'Sullivan, S Moore, W Munn; E Elwood, E Reddan; D McFarland, M Uijs, R McCormack; W Waugh, R Frost; M Swift, J O’Sullivan, C Rigney.