It's a big weekend of rugby for all of the Irish provinces, and one that can go along way toward deciding their fate in the European competitions for the following season.
Munster are boosted by the return of some key players, most notably Francis Saili and Conor Murray, as they host English giants Leicester. The Munster back three looks extremely potent, with the in form Andrew Conway, as well as the proven attacking talents of Simon Zebo and Keith Earls on the wing.
The exciting Francis Saili takes his place in the centre with Denis Hurley, while the first choice halfback pairing of Conor Murray and Ian Keatley is reunited.
There's a surprise at hooker, with former Ireland U-20 captain Niall Scannell getting his first appearance in Europe. There's also an all Irish second row partnership, with Dave Foley partnering Donnacha Ryan in a duo that is sure to interest Joe Schmidt with the Six Nations in mind. In the back row, Dave O'Callaghan has earned his start over the young Jack O'Donoghue who takes a spot on a bench packed with impact and experience.
Munster are playing their second game of the tournament, after the clash with Stade Francais was postponed, and will be looking to carry the Irish hopes in the competition.
Mun XV: Conway;Earls, Saili,Hurley,Zebo;Keatley,Murray;Cronin,N Scannell, Botha; Foley, D Ryan; Copeland, O’Callaghan,Stander Capt.#MunVLei
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) December 11, 2015
Mun Replacements: Sherry, Kilcoyne, J Ryan, Chisholm, O’Donoghue, O’Leary, Bleyendaal, Amorosino. #MunVLei
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) December 11, 2015
Meanwhile, Leo Cullen rewards the good form of Josh van der Flier for their massive game with Toulon, and the blues have an interesting centre partnership of Luke Fitzgerald and Ben Te'o that has the potential to excite.
Leinster need a win to have any realistic hopes of qualifying from a tricky pool. Rob Kearney's return from injury pushes Isa Nacewa onto the wing. It will be interesting to see if the flying Fijian international has the same impact out wide as he does from fullback. Isaac Boss is trusted to start at scrumhalf, which is a tactic Leinster are used to pulling in away European ties.
Here is the full #LeinsterRugby 23-man squad that will face @RCTofficiel. #TOUvLEIN pic.twitter.com/wDmN9Ht1Eu
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 11, 2015
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Picture credit: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
