Six changes for Leinster

Matt O'Connor has made six changes in total from the Leinster team that started against Treviso last weekend ahead of the visit of the Ospreys to the RDS tomorrow (Kick Off: 5.15pm).

Fri, 28 Nov, 2014 - 15:03

Matt O'Connor has made six changes in total from the Leinster team that started against Treviso last weekend ahead of the visit of the Ospreys to the RDS tomorrow (Kick Off: 5.15pm).

There are three changes in the backs and three in the pack but significantly Fergus McFadden makes a welcome return having injured his ankle in the PRO12 game against Munster on October 4. He lines out at outside centre.

Inside him is Ian Madigan who had an impressive Guinness Series with Ireland and is only three points short of 600 points for Leinster in what will be his 116th appearance since his debut in May 2009.

There is a change in the half backs, with Eoin Reddan coming in at nine, and as captain, with Jimmy Gopperth named at ten.

Elsewhere it is as you were with Zane Kirchner, Darragh Fanning and Dave Kearney in the back three. Fanning scored two tries for Leinster against Treviso and is in line to win his 25th cap.

With Richardt Strauss and Kevin McLaughlin ruled out through injury, their replacements last weekend against Treviso start in their place tomorrow.

Bryan Byrne, who scored his first ever Leinster senior try within minutes of his introduction, starts at hooker with Dominic Ryan starting at blindside flanker.

The rest of the front row sees Michael Bent and Tadhg Furlong once again selected at loose head and tight head, while in the second row Mike McCarthy has been selected alongside Kane Douglas.

Jordi Murphy makes his second appearance of the season having shown no ill effects after his return from shoulder surgery, while Jack Conan continues at No. 8.

Leinster Team

15. Zane Kirchner

14. Darragh Fanning

13. Fergus McFadden

12. Ian Madigan

11. Dave Kearney

10. Jimmy Gopperth

9. Eoin Reddan (CAPTAIN)

1. Michael Bent

2. Bryan Byrne

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. Mike McCarthy