Joe Schmidt has recalled Cian Healy and Leo Cullen to the Leinster side to face Exeter, while Eric Elwood makes changes in his pack for the trip to Italy.
By Declan Whooley
Prop Healy will make his 100th appearance for Leinster as Heinke van der Merwe drops to the bench while captain Leo Cullen comes into the second row in place of Devin Toner.
Despite injuries to Kevin McLoughlin, Andrew Conway, Brian O’Driscoll and Isa Nacewa last time out against Munster, all have fully recovered as Schmidt opts to go for an unchanged back-line.
Leinster v Exeter, RDS, Saturday, K.O. 3.40pm
Leinster XV: Ian Madigan; Andrew Conway, Brian O’Driscoll, Fergus McFadden, Isa Nacewa; Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross; Leo Cullen (c), Damian Browne; Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip.
Connacht have made four changes from the side that lost to Ulster last week to their team to face Zebre on Saturday, with all those changes coming in the pack.
Hooker Ethienne Reynecke comes in for Adrian Flavin, with Nathan White and Denis Buckley joining him in an all new front row.
John Muldoon also comes into the side in the back-row, replacing Dave Gannon.
Zebre v Connacht, Stadio XXV Aprille, Saturday, K.O. 2.45pm
Connacht XV: Robbie Henshaw; Tiernan O’Halloran, Eoin Griffin, Dave McSharry, Fetu’u Vainikolo; Dan Parks, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Ethienne Reynecke, Nathan White (c); Michael Swift, Mike McCarthy; John Muldoon, Willie Faloon, George Naoupu.
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