Competitive debut for Connacht's Kearney against Leinster

A competitive debut for Mick Kearney represents one of five changes Eric Elwood has made to the Connacht starting XV for the visit of Leinster to the Sportsground this New Year's Day (5pm).

Kearney earns his first competitive start for the Province at blindside flanker replacing Dave Gannon who came off with a knee injury on Monday. The 20-year-old academy forward, who stands at 6 foot 5 inches, is a former Mount Temple Comprehensive pupil and has represented Ireland U18, U20 & Irish Colleges. He earned his first cap for Connacht against the Ospreys this season and has appeared 5 times since then.

The other change in the pack sees Adrian Flavin replace Ethienne Reynecke at hooker. With over 117 caps Flavin is one of Connacht's most experienced players and even allowing for Mick Kearney's youth the pack boasts 765 caps between them.

There are three changes to the starting backline. Frank Murphy makes way for Paul O'Donohoe at scrumhalf, Brian Tuohy replaces Fetu'u Vainikolo on the wing and Connacht's newest signing Kyle Tonetti takes over from the injured Dave McSharry. Tonetti joined Connacht from Sale Sharks earlier this season and steps in for McSharry who required stitches to his chin following the St Stephens' Day clash with Munster.

Connacht (v Leinster): G Duffy (C), B Tuohy, E Griffin, K Tonetti, T O'Halloran, N O'Connor, P O'Donohoe, B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Loughney, G Naoupu, M McCarthy, M Kearney, J O'connor, J Muldoon.

Replacements: E Reynecke, D Buckley, D Rogers, E McKeon, TJ Anderson, F Murphy, M Jarvis, H Fa'afili.