Leinster are set to take on Connacht this weekend in what will be a game of consequence as the United Rugby Championship reaches its final round of matches. Here's everything you need to know about Leinster v Connacht.
For Leo Cullen's side, they will be looking to bounce back after facing heartbreak again in the Champions Cup final. In London last weekend, despite holding most of the possession and making multiple trips to the Toulouse 22, the Boys in Blue couldn't convert at the try line. A Ciarán Frawley drop-goal attempt almost won it in the end for Leinster, but his effort went just wide.
After 80 minutes of rugby, the scores were level at 15 - 15, and despite a red card to Richie Arnold, Leinster conceding cheap penalties allowed Toulouse to win it 31-22.
Leinster fall short in the Champions Cup final and Toulouse are European Champions once again. Final score: Leinster 22-31 Toulouse.#RTErugby #LEIvTOU
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READ HERE: Report: Munster Set To Sign Cheslin Kolbe-esque Wing From Lyon
In Connacht's case, they will be looking to bounce back following a disappointing home defeat last time out. In that game, the DHL Stormers made the trip to Galway and the home side defended strongly with a Caolin Blade try having the Westerners up 7-3 at half-time.
In the second half however, the South African side got themselves back into it, and a Jack Aungier try wasn't enough for Connacht as two Manie Libbok penalties would give the Stormers the 12-16 away win.
For Leinster in third place, a bonus point win could help them get the top spot in URC depending on the results in games involving the Bulls and Munster. In Connacht's case, they will need a bonus point win to get into the playoffs as they sit four points off the top 8 in 10th.
When is Leinster v Connacht?
Leinster are set to play Connacht this Friday May 31st at the RDS with kick-off scheduled for 7:35pm.
How can I watch Leinster v Connacht?
TG4 will be broadcasting the match live, with coverage getting underway there at 7:25pm.
The game will also be live on Premier Sports One, with coverage starting at 7pm.
Team News
Peter Wilkins has made six changes to the side that faced Stormers last time out. Bundee Aki misses out with Cathal Forde replacing him. Ireland u-20 international Shane Mallon is set to make his debut in place of Byron Ralston while Santiago Cordero makes his first start for the province in place of Tiernan O'Halloran. Shane Jennings starts on the wing in place of John Porch in a fully rotated set of backs.
Conor Oliver comes in at flanker over Shamus Hurley-Langton, while Darragh Murphy replaces Niall Murphy in the second row.
🟢 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🦅
🧢 Heff 200th cap
🧢 Debut for Shane Mallon
🇦🇷 Santi’s first start
Read more: https://t.co/jqYYwUAeen#ConnachtRugby | @Genesys pic.twitter.com/DDdguBqqTh— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) May 30, 2024
Leo Cullen has made 14 changes to the side that lost to Toulouse last time out, with Jamie Osborne being the only one to keep his place. It will be a final RDS appearance for the departing Ed Byrne and Ross Molony and for the retiring Rhys Ruddock who come in for Andrew Porter, Joe McCarthy and Ryan Baird.
Sam Prendergast starts at out-half in place of Ross Byrne while Ciarán Frawley plays in the centre over Robbie Henshaw. Jack Conan and Ronan Kelleher join the pack instead of Caelen Doris and Dan Sheehan after making appearances off the bench in the Champions Cup final.
At scrum-half, Cormac Foley replaces Jamison Gibson-Park while Jordan Larmour and James Lowe are replaced by Tommy O'Brien and Rob Russell on the wings. Jimmy O'Brien plays full-back instead of Hugo Keenan.
Thomas Clarkson starts at prop over Tadgh Furlong while Brian Deeny comes in for Jason Jenkins in the second-row as captain on the day Scott Penny starts at flanker in pace of Will Connors.
📥 | 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐃𝐒...
Here is the #LeinsterRugby team to take on @connachtrugby tomorrow evening in the final match of the regular season in the #BKTURC#LEIvCON #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/uavSsoTAlj— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) May 30, 2024
