Leinster ring the changes for derby clash

Matt O’Connor has made seven changes to his starting 15 for Friday night’s PRO12 clash against Connacht in the RDS.

Dave Kearney is one of a number of players returning from injury. He starts on the left wing alongside brother Rob Kearney at full-back. Zane Kirchner takes up position on the opposite wing.

Noel Reid starts the game at number 12, with Luke Fitzgerald beside him at outside centre. Isaac Boss and Jimmy Gopperth remain at half-back.

In the pack it is an all new front row of Michael Bent, Aaron Dundon and Tadhg Furlong, while Devin Toner and Kane Douglas continue at four and five.

Shane Jennings is also back from injury to start at openside flanker. Kevin McLaughlin joins him at blindside while captain Jame Heaslip completes the back row at number eight.

The match is in the RDS Arena on Friday December 19 - kick-off 7.35pm

Leinster team in full: 15. Rob Kearney , 14. Zane Kirchner, 13. Luke Fitzgerald

12. Noel Reid, 11. Dave Kearney, 10. Jimmy Gopperth, 9. Isaac Boss, 1. Michael Bent, 2. Aaron Dundon, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Devin Toner, 5. Kane Douglas, 6. Kevin McLaughlin, 7. Shane Jennings, 8. Jamie Heaslip - capt.

Replacements: 16. Sean Cronin, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Maks Van Dyk, 19. Jack Conan, 20. Jordi Murphy, 21. Luke McGrath, 22. Cathal Mars, 23. Gordon D'Arcy.