Healy benched for Clermont visit

The decision to start Heinke van der Merwe over Cian Healy represents one of four changes Joe Schmidt has made to his team for the return Heineken Cup game against Clermont Auvergne at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (3.40pm).

Van der Merwe has recovered from injury and the Springbok prop is one of two changes to the front row alongside Ireland international hooker Richardt Strauss who replaces Seán Cronin.