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.

The other change up front sees Shane Jennings, a second half replacement in Clermont last weekend, start in the back-row alongside Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip with Kevin McLaughlin dropping to the bench.

Mike Ross completes the front row while behind him skipper Leo Cullen continues his second row partnership with Damian Browne.

Eoin Reddan partners Jonathan Sexton in the only change to the backline which started last weekend’s game, which means that Andrew Goodman will continue his midfield partnership with Gordon D’Arcy.

David Kearney has recovered from injury to take his place amongst a replacements bench which features several Ireland internationals.

Leinster (v. Clermont Auvergne): I Madigan; F McFadden, G D’Arcy, A Goodman, I Nacewa; J Sexton, E Reddan; H van der Merwe, R Strauss, M Ross; L Cullen capt, D Browne; S O’Brien, S Jennings, J Heaslip.

Replacements: S Cronin, C Healy, M Bent, D Toner, K McLaughlin, I Boss, A Conway, D Kearney.