Paddy power have us +2 points on the handicap and 13/10 to win outright, Leinster 4/6.
The underdog title suits us better IMO

Not so sure they'll be bringing their bench on in drips and drabs especially if the Connacht pack is dominating. They'll look to make a big impact if game is tight and I could see them bringing on entire new front row and possibly bring Toner on at the same time. Pat will have to be ready to counter with fresh legs of his own. Of course it will help immensely if Connacht are able to build up a two score lead by the hour mark. Really hope AJ will be able to make his kicks early on, cannot leave any points behind in a game like this.

I've got plenty of time for Niyi, but I wonder if Poolman isn't 100%. He's more experienced with these kind of pressure games and I would have went with him even if he had an off game against Edinburgh. Saying that, I hope Niyi gives Leinster all kinds of headaches and scores a brace.

wp_rathead wrote: Niyi over Poolman is the only one I'm scratching my head over - if weather was to be dry I'd understand but forecast wet and windy..
Thought McKeon would have started seen as Lam has said that he likes to switch around the backrow but keeping the same 3 that started against Edinburgh makes sense

I thought Danie made a few mistakes against Edinburgh, perhaps this is Pat saying to everyone that they need to be at their best to keep their place for the closing stages of the season.

Like everyone else I'm extremely excited about this game, already anxious to get it underway. Yes their sub forwards are dangerous but they're likely to be added in drips and drabs. Regardless our lads have played all their lads before and with the exception of Toner's height there's nothing else we can't challenge and no one in blue that we should fear.

We've named a strong pack, probably our biggest lads available in all positions. White in particular should know both Leinster looseheads inside out - he needs to put in a big performance. I hope we see a continuation of our excellent scrummaging, really quick linespeed and we get up in the faces of the 9/10 from the start and really put Madigan off his game.

15 of the Leinster 23 came through their own academy
13 of the Connacht 23 came through their own academy

People always talk about Leinster having one of the best Academy's in world rugby so shall be interesting subplot

Banm wrote: So bloody nervous about this,
Feels like night before an all ireland

There goes that so.

So bloody nervous about this,

Feels like night before an all ireland

I definitely think Matt will do at least one dink over McFadden during the game

Niyi over Poolman is the only one I'm scratching my head over - if weather was to be dry I'd understand but forecast wet and windy..
Thought McKeon would have started seen as Lam has said that he likes to switch around the backrow but keeping the same 3 that started against Edinburgh makes sense

Delighted for Peter Robb - the lad is an ANIMAL

There is alot of individual battles but Jake Heenan VS JVF is gonna be fun
Also I'm sure Matt Healy will enjoy getting a run at McFadden

Strong Leinster bench. I dont care. I hope we hammer them.
Really would love to see Marmion leave Healy on his backside again.

Scrum time should be interesting. We've been pretty dominate in that area all season. Hope it continues. Dennis should get loads of pats on the back of his head tomorrow.
Expecting a big game from Muldowney and Roux. And Jake.
Wonder what type of applause Robbie will get when his name is read out before the game. I'll give him a cheer.
It's a shame Danie isn't playing, but that's partly down to my man crush on him

I can't wait for this game. This is the big one lads. A win tomorrow will be enormous
I think I'll even go to bed early tonight, so it gets here quicker

From the front page:

"The Connacht Clan will be hosting Peter Robb in the Clan Bar after tomorrows big inter-pro at the Sportsground"

It's almost like they knew.... :dry: :huh:

I am very excited now.

Impressive Leinster team. Serious bench.

That isn't even our strongest team, which i think is awesome!

It holds true to the philosophy all season long - It's a squad game.

Shame Dillane is injured, but with Roux involved with Ireland, he will have a big game in him against his old province, I am hoping.

The stage is also set for the formal arrival of Robb as a serious prospect? Robbie who?!!!

I think we have a decent bench. Bealham, McKeon and Henshaw in particular should offer a few gears against that awesome leinster bench.

All they need to do now is play the speech from Any Given Sunday before the game!!!!!!

It will come down to inches and mental will.

I would love to wipe the floor with them.

35-10 to Connacht!!!!!!!

pinky wrote: Bookies have installed us as one point favourites.

We'd want to be well clear by 60 minutes, we have a clear edge in the starting packs, but they have a monster bench.

salmson wrote: Loughs over Rodney for the bench.

After the Edinburgh game no surprise at this selection

Bookies have installed us as one point favourites.

Congratulations due to Rainier Luftwaffe Robb on his first league start.

Some interesting calls - Mul at 8, Niyi over Danie, Caolin over John Cooney & Loughs over Rodney for the bench.

Leinster Rugby have also confirmed that 40,000 tickets have now been sold for the game against Munster on Saturday week in the Aviva Stadium with tickets still on sale from leinsterrugby.ie/tickets or on match day from the ticket office based in the Ballsbridge Hotel. Student tickets are also available for just €10 on a first come first served basis by pre-registering at leinsterrugbystudentpass.com

For the trip to Galway tomorrow, Cullen is able to call upon 12 players who were involved in the match day and extended match day squad with Ireland last weekend against Scotland in the 6 Nations. He is also able to call upon the fit again Luke Fitzgerald who returns for this first time since January to make his 150th appearance for the province.

With Fergus McFadden coming on to the right wing, captain Isa Nacewa who makes his 100th Guinness PRO12 appearance on Saturday reverts to full back with Fitzgerald taking up the number 11 jersey. Ben Te'o and Garry Ringrose continue in midfield.

Luke McGrath again starts at scrumhalf with Ian Madigan joining him in the half backs.

Cian Healy comes in at loose head prop with Richardt Strauss also starting at hooker. Tadhg Furlong completes the front row.

Behind them Ross Molony and Hayden Triggs start in the second row, while in the back row Dominic Ryan starts from blind side with Josh van der Flier and Rhys Ruddock back from Ireland duty to complete the pack.

Irish players Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Jamie Heaslip and Eoin Reddan are all included on the bench.

LEINSTER (Leinster caps in brackets):

15. Isa Nacewa (144) CAPTAIN
14. Fergus McFadden (139)
13. Garry Ringrose (16)
12. Ben Te'o (33)
11. Luke Fitzgerald (149)
10. Ian Madigan (141)
9. Luke McGrath (43)
1. Cian Healy (150)
2. Richardt Strauss (124)
3. Tadhg Furlong (44)
4. Ross Molony (17)
5. Hayden Triggs (10)
6. Dominic Ryan (101)
7. Josh van der Flier (20)
8. Rhys Ruddock (106)

16. Sean Cronin (107)
17. Jack McGrath (89)
18. Mike Ross (128)
19. Devin Toner (176)
20. Jamie Heaslip (211)
21. Eoin Reddan (133)
22. Noel Reid (57)
23. Zane Kirchner (61)

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU, 132nd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Peter Fitzgibbon, Stuart Gaffikin (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: John Cole (IRFU)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)