For the Connacht match on Friday night, Leinster coach Leo Cullen has made significant changes to his starting line-up, retaining only Jamie Osborne from last week’s Champions Cup losing squad. He has introduced a total of 14 fresh players. Jamie Osborne, who moves from position 12 to 13, is the only holdover from the team that fell to Toulouse.
Meanwhile, Ciarán Frawley, a second-half replacement in the London game, has been promoted to start at the inside centre. In the halfbacks, young outhalf Sam Prendergast has been positioned, a potential Connacht loan sign for the succeeding season, with Cormac Foley partnering him.
Leinster is seeking a win that will keep them competitive for a top two placement and a straight run to the URC final. This is facilitated by a back three comprising of Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, and Rob Russell.
Monday’s match will also be the final performance at the RDS for Rhys Ruddock, Ross Molony and Ed Byrne before it undergoes renovations. The starting front-row will have Thomas Clarkson and Ronan Kelleher, Brian Deeny to partner Molony as second lock and their captain, Scott Penny, will serve in the backrow along with Jack Conan and Ruddock.
Simultaneously, Dave Heffernan of Connacht is set to make a landmark 200th appearance this Friday night, starting in the front row with former Leinster prop Peter Dooley and Finlay Bealham. The visiting team needs a victorious outcome to hold onto their faint chances of playoff qualification. Their lock includes Joe Joyce and Niall Murray, while the backrow will see Cian Prendergast, Conor Oliver, and Sean Jansen.
A seasoned halfback pair, Caolin Blade and Jack Carty, along with Cathal Forde and David Hawkshaw at centre, will hold the fort. Santiago Cordero, recently returned from injury, will continue at fullback, with Shane Mallon and Shane Jennings completing the back three.