Head coach Matt O'Connor has made seven changes to Leinster’s line-up for tomorrow night’s visit of Connacht to the RDS.

Dave Kearney returns to the left wing while in the centre Noel Reid partners Luke Fitzgerald for the Guinness PRO12 showdown.

Michael Bent, Aaron Dundon and Tadhg Furlong form a new front row. In the back row, Shane Jennings returns from injury while Kevin McLaughlin starts at blindside flanker.

Jamie Heaslip captains the side from eight.

LEINSTER (v Connacht): R Kearney; Z Kirchner, L Fitzgerald, N Reid, D Kearney; J Gopperth, I Boss; M Bent, A Dundon, T Furlong; D Toner, K Douglas; K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Heaslip (capt). Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, M Van Dyk, J Conan, J Murphy, L McGrath, C Marsh, G D’Arcy.

Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki have been paired in Connacht’s centre while. Mils Muliaina is named at full back in a back three with Danie Poolman and Matt Healy.

Jack Carty is handed the reins at out-half for his first game at the RDS while Kieran Marmion resumes duties at scrum half. Up front, John Muldoon will captain the side.

CONNACHT (v Leinster): M Muliaina; D Poolman, R Henshaw, B Aki, M Healy; J Carty, K Marmion; D Buckley, T McCartney, R Ah You; Q Roux, A Muldowney; J Muldoon (capt), E McKeon, G Naoupu. Replacements: D Heffernan, R Loughney, F Bealham, U Dillane, W Faloon, C Blade, C Ronaldson, D Leader.

Former Blues captain Brian O'Driscoll has defended O'Connor’s side’s form in recent weeks.

The Blues struggled to beat Harlequins at home in the European Champions Cup and lie fifth in the Guinness PRO12, but O'Driscoll says there are good reasons why they aren't at their best.