Leinster ring the changes for trip to Cardiff

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named his side to face the Cardiff Blues in the PRO12 tomorrow in BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

There are eight changes from the team that beat Zebre last Friday with three in the backs and five in the pack.

Video from Leinster Rugby TV.

There is a return for some Irish internationals from Six Nations duty and also a debut for a former Connacht player.

Zane Kirchner continues at full back with Fergus McFadden returning from the Ireland camp to start on the right wing. Isa Nacewa captains the side from the left wing, while Ben Te'o and Garry Ringrose continue their midfield partnership.

There is a new half-back pairing with Eoin Reddan and Ian Madigan starting.

Cian Healy is the only player retained in the front row with Sean Cronin and Tadhg Furlong starting alongside him this week.

In the second row Clontarf native Mick Kearney makes his debut start for Leinster having signed last summer. The lock, who has 68 Connacht caps to his name, will be partnered by Hayden Triggs.

Rhys Ruddock comes into the team at blindside flanker, with Jordi Murphy moving from the number eight shirt onto the open side. This makes room for Jack Conan, who has been out with an ankle injury for over three months, to come in at number eight.

Cardiff Blues v Leinster at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park Saturday February 20 - kick-off 3pm.

Leinster team: 15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Fergus McFadden, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Ben Te'o, 11. Isa Nacewa - capt., 10. Ian Madigan, 9. Eoin Reddan; 1. Cian Healy, 2. Sean Cronin, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Mick Kearney, 5. Hayden Triggs, 6. Rhys Ruddock, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Jack Conan.

Replacements: 16. Richardt Strauss, 17. Peter Dooley, 18. Mike Ross, 19. Tom Denton, 20. Dan Leavy, 21. Nick McCarthy, 22. Noel Reid, 23. Adam Byrne.