Leinster and Connacht are set to face off in an exciting United Rugby Championship match at the Aviva Stadium. But here's where it gets controversial... While Leinster have been on a winning streak, with six consecutive victories, including four in the United Rugby Championship, Connacht has been struggling, losing five of their last six URC games. Despite this, the game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams making strategic changes to their lineups.
Leinster has made nine changes to their starting team, with Sheehan returning as captain. The backs include Hugh Cooney, Charlie Tector, and Joshua Kenny, while Sam Prendergast takes on the fly-half role. The forwards see Dan Sheehan back in action, Brian Deeny partnering Joe McCarthy in the second row, and a new back row comprising Diarmuid Mangan, Will Connors, and Jack Conan. Will Connors returns to the team after a long absence since October.
Connacht, on the other hand, has made five changes to their lineup. Dave Heffernan and Jack Carty are out due to injury, so Dylan Tierney-Martin starts at hooker, and Josh Ioane joins Matthew Devine in the half-back partnership. David Henshaw steps in at outside centre, while Chay Mullins takes the right wing position after returning to full fitness.
With Leo Cullen's side sitting in sixth place in the table, and Connacht in 10th, the match is crucial for both teams' standings. Will Leinster's winning streak continue, or will Connacht pull off an upset? Find out as these two teams battle it out on the field.
Leinster: Frawley; O'Brien, Cooney, Tector, Kenny; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Boyle, Sheehan (capt), Clarkson; McCarthy, Deeny; Mangan, Connors, Conan.
Replacements: McCarthy, Porter, Osbourne, O'Tighearnaigh, Deegan, van der Flier, McGrath, Cahir.
Connacht: Gilbert; Mullins, Hawkshaw, Aki, Treacy; Ioane, Devine; Buckley, Tierney-Martin, Bealham; Joyce, O'Connor; Murphy, Prendergast, Jansen.
Replacements: de Buitlear, Bohan, Barrett, Murray, Boyle, Murphy, West, Forde.
