Leinster set for Heineken Cup last-16 derby

Johnny Sexton returns to the Leinster team for tomorrows nights Heineken champions cup last-16 game with Connacht.

The return leg between the sides takes place next Friday, 15 April, at Aviva Stadium.

The St Mary's college man will be joined in the half-backs by Luke McGrath, playing inside the same back line that started against Munster.

Hugo Keenan remains at full-back with Jimmy O'Brien, scorer of four tries in Leinster's last European outing, and James Lowe on the wings.

Garry Ringrose once again partners Robbie Henshaw in midfield. In the pack, Cullen has made wholesale changes to the front five with Cian Healy, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Ross Molony and Josh Murphy coming in.

The back row of Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan goes unchanged.

The replacements bench contains James Tracy, Ed Byrne, Michael Ala'alatoa, Devin Toner, Max Deegan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ross Byrne and Ciarán Frawley.

Leinster

15. Hugo Keenan
16. Jimmy O'Brien
17. Garry Ringrose
18. Robbie Henshaw
19. James Lowe
20. Johnny Sexton (C)
21. Luke McGrath

1. Cian Healy
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Ross Molony
5. Josh Murphy
6. Caelan Doris
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan

Replacements:

16. James Tracy
17. Ed Byrne
18. Michael Ala'alatoa
19. Devin Toner
20. Max Deegan
21. Jamison Gibson-Park
22. Ross Byrne
23. Ciarán Frawley

Referee - Karl Dickson (RFU)

Leinster v Connacht

Friday 8th April

The Sportsground, Kick-off: 20:00