Keogh to start for Leinster

Simon Keogh will make his first start for Leinster, since rejoining the club from Harlequins, against Connacht in Sunday's Magners League tie at The Sportsground, Galway (6pm).

Rob Kearney will play at full-back and Luke Fitzgerald will line up in the centre as Jonathan Sexton partners the incoming Chris Keane at half-back.

In the pack, prop Stan Wright, hooker John Fogarty, lock Devin Toner, openside Sean O'Brien and number eight Stephen Keogh provide the rest of the changes.

Leinster captain Leo Cullen laid down a marker for his players: "It's going to be a very physical game.

"Connacht really raise their game when they play against the Irish provinces and we've had some pretty tough games against them over the years".

LEINSTER (v Connacht): Rob Kearney; Shane Horgan, Luke Fitzgerald, Felipe Contepomi, Simon Keogh; Jonathan Sexton, Chris Keane; Stan Wright, John Fogarty, CJ Van Der Linde; Leo Cullen (capt), Devin Toner; Rocky Elsom, Sean O'Brien, Stephen Keogh.

Replacements: Cian Healy, Brian Blaney, Trevor Hogan, Cameron Jowitt, Chris Whitaker, Fergus McFadden, Gary Brown.