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Rugby

Leo Cullen names strong Leinster side to face Connacht

Leo Cullen has named his 23-man squad that will take on Connacht at the Sportsground on Friday ev...



Leo Cullen names strong Leinst...
Rugby

Leo Cullen names strong Leinster side to face Connacht

Leo Cullen has named his 23-man squad that will take on Connacht at the Sportsground on Friday evening. 

Scott Fardy is set to captain the province in what will be the first Irish derby of the new Pro14 season.

There's a number of changes to the side that hammered the Dragons 50-15 last weekend, with six Ireland players returning to the fold.

Also, Hugo Keenan comes back in having recovered from the ankle injury picked up against Zebre last month.

Adam Byrne meanwhile comes in on the right-wing and James Lowe continues on the left.

Joe Tomane will line out at number 12 while Robbie Henshaw is set to make his first appearance of the season in blue outside him.

Luke McGrath who starts at scrumhalf with Ross Byrne at ten beside him.

In the pack, Cian Healy and Andrew Porter come back into the side, with Rónan Kelleher again selected at hooker.

Devin Toner is in the second row with captain Scott Fardy completing the tight five.

In the back row, Cullen goes with a trio of Josh Murphy, Will Connors and Max Deegan.

Ed Byrne returns from a neck injury and is among the replacements on the bench while Rhys Ruddock and Rob Kearney are the final two players involved with Ireland during the recent Rugby World Cup to be included.

Kick-off is at the Sportsground is at 7.35pm on Friday 7th November.

Heading into the clash, Leinster are top of Conference A in the Pro 14 after a 100% start to the new season.

The westerners meanwhile lie second in Conference B with four wins from five games.

Leinster team in full to face Connacht :

15. Hugo Keenan
14. Adam Byrne
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Joe Tomane
11. James Lowe
10. Ross Byrne
9. Luke McGrath
1. Cian Healy
2. Rónan Kelleher
3. Andrew Porter
4. Devin Toner
5. Scott Fardy
6. Josh Murphy
7. Will Connors
8. Max Deegan

16. James Tracy
17. Ed Byrne
18. Michael Bent
19. Ross Molony
20. Rhys Ruddock
21. Jamison Gibson-Park
22. Ciarán Frawley
23. Rob Kearney

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