O'Connor tries out new centre and half-back partnerships for Leinster

Under the instruction of Ireland coach Joe Schmidt Ian Madigan has been named at out half for Leinster's clash with Connacht tomorrow night at the RDS.

Fri, 25 Oct, 2013 - 13:08

Under the instruction of Ireland coach Joe Schmidt Ian Madigan has been named at out half for Leinster's clash with Connacht tomorrow night at the RDS.

Matt O'Connor has decided to freshen things up for the visit of Connacht (KO: 6.45pm).

Luke Fitzgerald starts at outside centre in a new midfield partnership alongside Noel Reid for the interprovincial clash.

Fitzgerald will make his 113th appearance for the province and he is joined in the backline by fellow Ireland internationals Ian Madigan and Eoin Reddan who form a new half-back partnership this weekend.

Michael Bent will make his first start this season in a front row which includes Sean Cronin and Jack McGrath, who was called up to the Ireland squad for the November series earlier this week.

McGrath will start in the pack alongside Quinn Roux and the team will again be led by Jamie Heaslip who continues in the back-row alongside Kevin McLaughlin and the in-form Sean O'Brien.

Shane Jennings has recovered from injury to take his place on a strong-looking replacements bench which includes the likes of Isaac Boss, Jimmy Gopperth, Mike McCarthy and South African international Zane Kirchner for the first time since his recent arrival.

LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney

14: Fergus McFadden

13: Luke Fitzgerald

12: Noel Reid

11: Dave Kearney

10: Ian Madigan

9: Eoin Reddan

1: Jack McGrath

2: Sean Cronin

3: Michael Bent

4: Devin Toner