Connacht v Leinster (Sun)

MAGNERS LEAGUE
Venue: Sportsground, Galway Date: Sunday, 5 October Kick-off: 1800 BST

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Connacht coach Michael Bradley has made nine changes for Sunday's derby clash with Leinster in Galway.

Following the 58-0 thrashing by the Blues, Bradley has Gavin Duffy and Keith Matthews available again while Ian Keatley and Liam Bibo are promoted.

For Leinster, Robert Kearney switches to full-back and with Brian O'Driscoll rested, Luke Fitzgerald will partner Felipe Contepomi at centre.

Other changes see Stan Wright and John Fogarty coming into the front row.

Simon Keogh will make his first Leinster appearance since rejoining the province from Harlequins over the summer while Contepomi will become the first overseas players to play 100 times for Leinster when he lines out on Sunday.

Connacht will also have a new-look front-row with Ronan Loughney joining hooker Sean Cronin and Brett Wilkinson.

Michael McCarthy and Andrew Farley are paired together in the engine room.

LAST SEASON'S LEAGUE MEETINGS 12 October: Connacht 10-16 Leinster 2 May: Leinster 29-10 Connacht

Leinster coach Michael Cheika is expecting a tough test in Galway despite Connacht's poor display last weekend.

"The conditions were difficult last year and I think over the last three years we have gotten better against them down there," said Cheika.

"The Sportsground is a tough place to play no matter what the weather is like.

"We will take nothing for granted. We will tackle each game on its own merits and make sure that we play a good, structured, smart game against Connacht."

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Connacht: F Carr; L Bibo, G Duffy, K Matthews, M Roberts; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, R Loughney; M McCarthy, A Farley; J Muldoon (C), J O'Connor, C Rigney.
Replacements: C Muldoon, R Morris, A Browne, M Swift, K Campbell, T Nathan, J Hearty.

Leinster: R Kearney, S Horgan, L Fitzgerald, F Contepomi, Simon Keogh, J Sexton, C Keane, S Wright, J Fogarty, CJ Van Der Linde, L Cullen (capt), D Toner, R Elsom, S O'Brien, Stephen Keogh. Replacements: C Healy, B Blaney, T Hogan, C Jowitt, C Whitaker, F McFadden, G Brown.

Referee: George Clancy (IRFU),