Leinster welcome back Brian O’Driscoll and Jonathon Sexton while Munster make six changes ahead of the inter-pro at the Aviva tomorrow night.
By Declan Whooley
Brian O’Driscoll returns to the side to form a centre partnership with Fergus McFadden with Jonathon Sexton replacing Ian Madigan at out-half. Madigan is moved to full-back with Rob Kearney ruled out. Eoin Reddan takes the number nine jersey with John Cooney dropping to the bench.
In the forwards, Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross beef up the front row with Damien Browne and Devin Toner forming the new-look second row. Kevin McLaughlin and Jamie Heaslip, captaining the side on his 150th appearance, also come into the side after the hammering at the hands of Connacht.
Rob Penney makes six changes from the side that was defeated at the Liberty Stadium, all coming in the forward division.
Injury rules out Niall Ronan and Marcus Horan from the tie against the Ospreys.
Internationals Donncha Ryan and Peter O’Mahony make their first starts of the season while Dave O’Callaghan returns to the blind-side in a strong looking forward unit.
Doug Howlett leads the side out in what will be his 100th appearance in the red of Munster
Leinster v Munster, Aviva Stadium, 6.30pm, Live on TG4
Leinster: I Madigan; A Conway, B O’Driscoll, F McFadden, I Nacewa; J Sexton, E Reddan; H van der Merwe, R Strauss, M Ross; D Browne, D Toner; K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Heaslip (c).
Munster: D Hurley; D Howlett (c), K Earls, C Laulala, S Zebo; R O’Gara, C Murray; D Kilcoyne, M Sherry, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan, D Ryan; Dave O’Callaghan, S Dougall, P O’Mahony
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