CELTIC LEAGUE: LEINSTER WELCOME back several of their international contingent this weekend as they face Connacht in their Magners League clash at the Sporstground in Galway.
Leinster are currently six points ahead at the top of the table; Connacht are propping up the table on 15 points, one point below Ulster.
Coach Michael Cheika includes Ireland trio Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Horgan and Malcolm O'Kelly. O'Kelly's return to the second row is particularly timely given Leo Cullen's shoulder injury, which rules him out of contention for this week's game.
Flanker Shane Jennings has also returned to training and is in contention for selection for the 7.30pm kick-off, as is the in-form Keith Gleeson, who has also been overlooked by the Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan.
Trevor Hogan, who made his comeback from a four-month lay-off in the Cardiff win, is also included in the 24-man squad.
While the Australian scrumhalf Chris Whitaker looks set to assume captaincy duties in Galway, it is the Argentinian Felipe Contepomi to whom the side will look for the creative spark.
"When you play against a team like Connacht the important thing you have to remember is that they are a passionate team that plays with great pride," said Contepomi.
"Though they have some really talented individuals who we have to be wary of, such as Gavin Duffy, Johnny O'Connor and Mel Deane, their real strength is in how they perform as a unit. They have increased their squad over the last two years and it's clear that they are improving as a team.
"So because of that, we will treat them with a lot of respect on Friday. We must counter them as a unit and because of their familiarity with the conditions in the Sportsground, we need to be aware of their attacking capabilities on their home ground."
Given Leinster's difficulties in this season's Heineken Cup, the League has taken on a new significance. It is the only competition available to win. "It is a crucial time for us and we want to nail the league after missing out on the final day of the last two seasons," added Contepomi. "We are targeting each game on an individual basis and though it has been a good break in terms of playing matches week in week out, we are working hard to stay at the top of the Magners League."
Connacht's head coach, Michael Bradley, will need a big effort from his side if they are to get the better of a Leinster team coming off the back of a good win over Cardiff. On paper Leinster have a decided advantage, but Bradley sees home advantage as possibly crucial this time around.
"Leinster's visits to Galway have always produced close, exciting rugby," he said. "We've run Leinster very close over the last couple of years, including last year at home, so there'll be no surprises in store for either side. We know each other very well.
"They'll be missing a number of players but we still expect it to be very tight.We'll be looking to press our home advantage and hopefully we'll come out on the right side of the scoreline."
The Connacht squad will be announced today.
Ulster, who face Llanelli at Ravenhill Road on Friday evening, have announced their international loosehead prop Justin Fitzpatrick has signed a two-year contract that will see him remain in Belfast until 2010.
It is coach Matt Williams's second significant signing, the first being the retention of the outhalf Paddy Wallace.
"I am delighted that Justin has signed with Ulster again," said Williams. "He is currently playing the best rugby of his career. The side will be further strengthened by his great experience and his leadership over the next two seasons."
"I am very glad to be extending my contract with Ulster," said Fitzpatrick. "And I am excited about the direction that the team is taking under the guidance of Matt Williams and very much looking forward to the next two seasons."
LEINSTER: Forwards(13): Cian Healy, Ronan McCormack, Brian Blaney, Ollie le Roux, Stephen Knoop, Stan Wright, Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Cameron Jowitt, Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Shane Jennings, Kevin McLaughlin Backs(11): Chris Keane, Chris Whitaker, Felipe Contepomi, Gary Brown, Felix Jones, Christian Warner, Michael Berne, Eoin O'Malley, Fionn Carr, Shane Horgan, Luke Fitzgerald
Referee: George Clancy(IRFU).
Magners League, Friday: Dragons v Edinburgh, Rodney Parade 7.10; Connacht v Leinster, Sportsground 7.30; Glasgow v Ospreys, Firhill Arena 7.30; Ulster v Llanelli, Ravenhill Road 7.30. Saturday: Cardiff v Munster, Arms Park 5.30.
