O’Driscoll returns to captain Leinster at Connacht

The Leinster team to face Connacht in the Magners League clash in the Sportsground on Friday evening has been named.

Brian O'Driscoll returns to captain the side for his first competitive start of the season alongside the returning Shane Horgan - who he partners at centre - and Girvan Dempsey.

Luke Fitzgerald retains his place on the wing, while both Gordon D'Arcy and Malcolm O'Kelly have been named on a strong-looking bench which includes ex-Connacht duo Ronan McCormack and Bernard Jackman.

Leinster: 15: Girvan Dempsey 14: Luke Fitzgerald 13: Brian O'Driscoll (captain) 12: Shane Horgan 11: Denis Hickie 10: Felipe Contepomi 9: Chris Whitaker 1: Reggie Corrigan 2: Harry Vermaas 3: Will Green 4: Trevor Hogan 5: Owen Finegan 6: Stephen Keogh 7: Keith Gleeson 8: Jamie Heaslip

Replacements: 16: Ronan McCormack 17: Bernard Jackman 18: Malcolm O'Kelly 19: Niall Ronan 20: Guy Easterby 21: Christian Warner 22: Gordon D'Arcy