Leinster and Ulster both make changes for RDS match

Devin Toner returns for Leinster

Ulster have made four personnel changes and Leinster five for the PRO12 meeting between the two sides in the RDS tomorrow afternoon.

Matt O’Connor has made four changes to his pack - Jack McGrath and Mike Ross start in the front row while Richard Strauss retains his place at hooker.

Mike McCarthy is joined by the returning Devin Tomer in the second row, while Jamie Heaslip comes in at number eight. Jack Conan moves to blindside and Shane Jennings is at openside.

There is only one change in the backs. Fergus McFadden has recovered from the thumb injury he picked up against Ospreys in November and starts on the right wing. Zane Kirchner starts at full-back and Shane Jennings is on the left.

The starting centre partnership for Leinster is Gordon D’Arcy at 12 with Luke Fitzgerald outside him. Isaac Boss and Ian Madigan continue at half-back.

For Ulster, Tommy Bowe is back in the starting 15 after being rested against Connacht and starts at 14. Craig Gilroy switches to the left wing and Peter Nelson takes up the full-back position.

Tommy Bowe starts against Leinster

Paddy Jackson retains his place at out-half while Ruan Pienaar has recovered from injury and returns at scrum-half.

The front row is made up of captain Rory Best with Callum Black and Wiehahn Herbst selected either side of him.

The second row and back row are unchanged. Dan Tuohy is paired with Franco van der Merwe in the second row and the back row is made up of Roger Wilson at number eight with Robbie Diack and Clive Ross on the flanks.

The match is at the RDS on Saturday January 3. Kick-off 2.40pm.

Leinster team in full: Jack McGrath, Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy, Jack Conan, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip - capt, Isaac Boss, Ian Madigan, Dave Kearney, Gordon D'Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Fergus McFadden, Zane Kirchner.

Replacements:Sean Cronin, Michael Bent, Tadhg Furlong, Kane Douglas, Jordi Murphy, Luke McGrath, Jimmy Gopperth, Ben Te'o.

Ulster team in full: P Nelson; T Bowe, D Cave, S Olding, C Gilroy, P Jackson, R Pienaar; C Black, R Best - capt, W Herbst, D Tuohy, F vd Merwe, R Diack, C Ross, R Wilson.

Replacements: R Herring, A Warwick, B Ross, A O’Connor, S Reidy, P Marshall, I Humphreys, L Marshall.