Leinster welcome back Caelan Doris and co for visit of Connacht

over 2 years in The Irish Times

URC: Leinster v Connacht, Friday December 3rd, RDS Arena (kick-off 7.45pm, Premier Sports, URC TV, TG4).
Leinster have welcomed back a host of Ireland internationals as they look to bounce back against Connacht at the RDS on Friday night.
Leo Cullen’s side were given a jolt on their return to URC action last weekend, as they were beaten 20-10 at home by a deserving Ulster side.
On Friday they take on a Connacht team who impressed as they sycthed through the Ospreys in Galway last time out, running out 46-18 winners despite difficult conditions.
Two Leinster changes come in the back three, where Hugo Keenan and James Lowe - both impressive throughout November - join Jordan Larmour.
Garry Ringrose reclaims his number 13 jersey with Robbie Henshaw switching to 12 in an elite midfield, while Harry Byrne gets a run at outhalf alongside skipper and scrumhalf Luke McGrath.
In the pack Cian Healy brings ballast and experience to the frontrow alongside new Ireland international Dan Sheehan and Michael Ala’alatoa. Ryan Baird returns to partner Devin Toner in the engineroom.
Ireland’s player of the autumn internationals, Caelan Doris, takes the number eight jersey and he’s flanked by Rhys Ruddock and Josh van der Flier to complete a formidable pack.
As for Connacht, they make three changes from the side which put their Welsh visitors to the sword last weekend.
Oisín Dowling, Eoghan Masterson and Peter Robb all came off the bench against the Ospreys and this week they slot into the starting XV.
There is still no place in the line-up for the injured Bundee Aki, but Jack Carty can continue his fine early-season form at outhalf - so too winger Mack Hansen.
Ahead of his side’s visit to Dublin, Connacht boss Andy Friend said: “Last week was pleasing not just to pick up five points but to continue our recent level of performances, even with a substantial break in the middle. The challenge for all of us now is to raise our game even more, away to one of the best sides in Europe.
“We’ll take confidence from our win at the RDS last January, and our travelling supporters will be a big help as always. This game will tell a lot about where we are right now so we’re really looking forward to it.”
Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Harry Byrne, Luke McGrath; Cian Healy, Dan Sheehan, Michael Alaalatoa; Ryan Baird, Devin Toner; Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris. Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Vakh Abdaladze, Josh Murphy, Max Deegan, Nick McCarthy, Ross Byrne, Tommy O’Brien.
Connacht: Oran McNulty; Alex Wootton, Sammy Arnold, Peter Robb, Mack Hansen; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Matthew Burke, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham; Oisín Dowling, Ultan Dillane; Eoghan Masterson, Conor Oliver, Jarrad Butler. Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Leva Fifita, Cian Prendergast, Caolin Blade, Conor Fitzgerald, Tom Farrell.

Share it on