Leinster welcome back a host of internationals while Connacht ring the changes ahead of this weekend’s RaboDirect PRO12 action.
By Declan Whooley
As had been suggested during the week, Brian O’Driscoll makes his first appearance of the season as the 2012 finalists travel to Italy to take on Treviso.
Jamie Heaslip starts for the first time also and will captain the side from number eight, forming an international back-row with Shane Jennings and Kevin McLaughlin.
Devin Toner comes in to win his 100th cap alongside Damien Browne in the second row, while Heinke van der Merwe is promoted from the subs bench and makes up a formidable front row alongside Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross.
Ian Madigan is switched to full-back to accommodate the returning Jonathon Sexton, with Eoin Reddan partnering Sexton at half-back. Leon Cullen, Isa Nacewa, Sean Cronin and Cian Healy are among the replacements.
Leinster v Treviso, Stadio di Mongio, (KO Saturday, 6.05pm)
Leinster: I Madigan; A Conway, B O’Driscoll, F McFadden, F Carr; J Sexton, E Reddan; H van der Merwe, R Strauss, M Ross; D Toner, D Browne; K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Heaslip; (c)
Eric Elwood has made six changes to the side that comfortably disposed of Zebre last time out to face table toppers the Scarlets tomorrow evening.
A new back row will feature Andrew Browne for his first game for over a year, alongside new signing Willie Faloon and Academy graduate Eoin McKeon.
The front row will also have a new look also with Irish international Brett Wilkinson starting his first game of the season at loosehead, with Nathan White wearing Connacht colours for the first time at tighthead.
The only change in the backs sees Dave McSharry starting at inside centre at the expense of Mata Fifita.
Connacht XV v Scarlets, The Sportsground, (KO Saturday, 3pm) Live on TG4:
G Duffy(c); T O’Halloran, E Griffin, D McSharry, F Vainikolo; M Nikora, K Marmion; B Wilkinson, E Reynecke, N White; M Swift, M McCarthy; A Browne, W Faloon, E McKeon;
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