Kearney gets chance at full-back

Robert Kearney has finally been given the chance to play in his favoured full-back position for Leinster at home to Connacht in Friday night’s Magners League clash at the RDS (KO: 7.30pm).

The impressive Simon Keogh starts on the left wing with Gordon D'Arcy on the right and Felipe Contepomi continues his centre partnership with Luke Fitzgerald in between.

Flanker Shane Jennings has recovered from injury to rejoin the side along with Stephen Keogh and Cameron Jowitt.

Scrum-half Chris Whitaker continues to lead Leinster inside Isa Nacewa at out-half in another indication of coach Michael Cheika's preference for the import over Jonathan Sexton.

The final list of replacements will be confirmed closer to kick-off.

LEINSTER (v Connacht):

15: Rob Kearney

14: Gordon D’Arcy

13: Luke Fitzgerald

12: Felipe Contepom

11: Simon Keogh

10: Isa Nacewa

9: Chris Whitaker CAPTAIN

1: Cian Healy

2: John Fogarty

3: Stan Wright

4: Trevor Hogan

5: Cameron Jowitt

6: Rocky Elsom

7: Shane Jennings

8: Stephen Keogh.

Replacements: Brian Blaney, Ronan McCormack, Malcolm O’Kelly, Devin Toner, Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip, Chris Keane, Jonathan Sexton, Shane Horgan, Brian O’Driscoll.