Cian Healy returns to Leinster starting fifteen against Scarlets

Cian Healy will make his first start for Leinster in six months against the Scarlets in Parc y Scarlets on Saturday afternoon.

The prop hasn't started a game for his province since the opening day trip to Glasgow Warriors in September, as he looks to push his way back into the Irish fifteen for the trip to Wales next weekend with a solid performance upon his return.

Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor has made seven changes in total from the team which started against the Ospreys last Friday in the 9-9 draw in Swansea.

Having been retained by Ireland last weekend although not involved in the match day squad against England, Luke Fitzgerald starts on the left wing, with the same centre partnership retained.

Gordon D'Arcy is selected at inside centre while outside him Ben Te'o is selected in the 13 jersey. Te'o was cited during the week for an alleged strike to an opponent's head in the game last Friday against Ospreys, however an independent disciplinary panel found on Thursday, that while his actions had constituted foul play, it did not warrant a red card. As a result no suspension was imposed upon him.

There are five changes to the pack named to start last weekend. It’s a completely new front row with Cian Healy, Sean Cronin and Marty Moore starting.

Mike McCarthy who was also retained by the Irish management last weekend, comes into the second row to partner Kane Douglas.

Rhys Ruddock captains the team from blind side, with Dominic Ryan starting at open side. Jack Conan is once again selected at the base of the scrum having recovered from the ankle injury that forced him out of the starting fifteen before kick off last Friday.

LEINSTER: Zane Kirchner; Fergus McFadden, Ben Te’o, Gordon D’Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald; Jimmy Gopperth, Eoin Reddan; Cian Healy, Sean Cronin, Marty Moore; Mike McCarthy, Kane Douglas; Rhys Ruddock, Dominic Ryan, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Michael Bent, Tadhg Furlong, Tom Denton, Josh van der Flier, Isaac Boss, Noel Reid, Dave Kearney