Leinster will be without international full-back Ciaran Clarke, because he "did not pass a late fitness test" on his troublesome ankle. However, this explanation does not completely quell reports that Clarke's withdrawal was the result of arriving for training late on Thursday after negotiating his second Sligo-Dublin trip of the week.

While Clarke's experience and big left boot will be missed, his replacement Kevin Nowlan will at least be forming an all-St Mary's outside three. Though gangly-looking, he is deceptively quick and a superb runner, especially from broken play.

Tony Goldfinch's belated availability gives promise of a solution to Leinster's problem openside position and with it the quicker, more expansive game they are seeking.

On paper at least, Leinster look the more potent side. But hitherto, whereas Leinster's parts have been greater than the sum, Connacht have been the opposite, with Brian Ashton singling them out as the side most in tune with the game he is seeking.

Connacht have been a thorn in Leinster's side, winning the last three meetings in Galway although they've yet to win in four visits to Donnybrook. The latest injury bulletins seem to have steered things toward Leinster, Connacht losing their man-of-the-match last week, Kiwi flanker Junior Charlie, with replacement Rory Rogers having to undergo a late fitness test on damaged ribs.

Last five years: Connacht 22, Leinster 13; Leinster 41, Connacht 9; Connacht 20, Leinster 19; Leinster 15, Connacht 11; Connacht 28, Leinster 9. Overall (intepros only) - Played 51 - Leinster 40; Connacht 7; Draws 4.

Leinster: D Nowlan (St Mary's); D Hickie (St Mary's), M Ridge (Old Belvedere), K McQuilkin (Lansdowne, capt), J McWeeney (St Mary's); A McGowan (Blackrock), D O'Mahony (Lansdowne); R Corrigan (Greystones), S Byrne (Blackrock), A McKeen (Lansdowne), S Jameson (St Mary's), A Freeman (Lansdowne), T Brennan (St Mary's), V Costello (St Mary's), T Goldfinch (Blackrock College).

Connacht: W Ruane (Ballina); N Barry (Clontarf), S Allnutt (Corinthians), P Duignan (Galwegians), N Carolan (Galwegians); E Elwood (Galwegians), C McGuinness (St Mary's); J Maher (Bective Rangers), B Mulcahy (Skerries), M Finlay (Galwegians), M McConnell (Buccaneers), G Heaslip (Cork Con, capt), R Rogers (Blackrock College), B Gavin (Galwegians), S McEntee (Wanderers).