Connacht’s Healy to make debut against Leinster
23-year-old Connacht winger Matt Healy will earn his first cap for the province when he lines out in tomorrow’s RaboDirect PRO12 match against Leinster in the RDS (7.45pm).
Healy joined Connacht this season and has made a notable impression with the Connacht Eagles whilst competing in the British and Irish cup.
Head Coach Eric Elwood has made a total four personnel changes to the starting XV as Connacht pursue a season double over the European champions after defeating them 34-6 at the Sportsground in September.
Danie Poolman moves to the right wing clearing the way for Eoin Griffin to resumes his centre partnership with Dave McSharry.
Dan Parks starts at flyhalf alongside scrum-half Kieran Marmion while young fullback Robbie Henshaw retains his place in the starting team.
In the pack, Denis Buckley is named in the front row alongside Jason Harris-Wright and Nathan White, who captains the side tomorrow.
Michael Swift, who returned from injury last week and came off the bench against Munster, will partner George Naoupu in the second row.
Andrew Browne and Johnny O’Connor start at wing-forward with Eoin McKeon favoured at number 8.
Connacht (v. Leinster): R Henshaw; D Poolman, E Griffin, D McSharry, M Healy; D Parks, K Marmion; D Buckley, J Harris-Wright, N White capt, M Swift, G Naoupu; A Browne, J O’Connor, E McKeon.
Replacements: E Reynecke, B Wilkinson, R Loughney, M Kearney, E Grace, P O’Donohoe, M Jarvis, T O’Halloran.
