Johnny Sexton returns for Leinster’s trip to Stadio Monigo

Leo Cullen has wasted no time in injecting thirteen Irish internationals back into action.

Most importantly, Jonathan Sexton will resume his hometown career for the first time since the 2013 PRO12 Grand Final against Ulster.

The out-half is expected to take hold of the back division in what could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with assistant coach Girvan Dempsey.

It must be noted how the furore and fallout from Ireland’s style of play at the World Cup came well after Cullen and Dempsey had shown their commitment to expansive rugby where offloads have been deemed a risk worth taking.

There is also confirmation of the retention of Isa Nacewa as club captain for the season, indicating Jamie Heaslip as likely to succeed Paul O'Connell as the primary leader at Ireland for the 2016 Six Nations.

Right now, Leinster will seek to move up a gear or two from a respectable 14 points from five games for sixth place on the ladder at a venue where they have usually struggled.

For instance, they came away from Treviso with a 24-all draw last season; a one-point (21-20) victory the year before. They will take nothing for granted.

Moreover, it will be interesting to note how Leinster approach this one.

The bulk of the second-string squad that dominated the first block of five matches were well-versed in Dempsey’s strategies through the last two seasons of the British & Irish Cup.

The Ireland internationals have had little or no time to make what is a seismic shift away from the power-based, direct running of the Matt O’Connor era to a more traditional Leinster way of playing.

It may take some time to come together.

Treviso: J Hayward; L Nitoglia, A Pratichetti, S Christie, S Ragusi; L McLean, E Gori; M Zanusso, D Giazzon, R Harden, M Fuser, T Paulo, F Minto a Zanni (capt), A Steyn.

Replacements: Luca Bigi, Alberto De Marchi, Simone Ferrari, Jeff Montauriol, Robert Barbieri, Chris Smylie, James Ambrosini, Tommaso Iannone.

Leinster: I Nacewa (capt); F McFadden, B Te'o, L Fitzgerald, D Kearney; J Sexton, E Reddan; J McGrath, S Cronin, T Furlong, H Triggs, M McCarthy, R Ruddock, J Murphy, J Conan.

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy, Marty Moore, Devin Toner, Josh van der Flier, Luke McGrath, Cathal Marsh, Noel Reid.

Verdict: Leinster.

Meanwhile Connacht head coach Pat Lam has named his side to play Edinburgh at the Sportsground on Saturday.

In the starting XV, the backline remains unchanged while Tom McCartney, Andrew Browne, and John Muldoon (captain), all return to the pack.

Returning Ireland international Nathan White is named on the bench for what could be his first Pro12 appearance since his Rugby World Cup campaign.

Commenting on the team selection and the upcoming game, head coach Pat Lam said:

“While we’re happy with where we’re at so far, we know it’s only going to get tougher, and this week the focus has been all about what we need to do next. We are under no illusions of the physical battle we face on Saturday and with that in mind, it’s great to be able to bring in the experience of guys like Tom (McCartney), John (Muldoon) and Andrew (Browne).

“Obviously Nathan (White) returning is a big boost for us and we’re pleased to have him involved this week. After a busy few games in the World Cup, Robbie (Henshaw) is not far off and we should see him next week against Treviso.

“We’re really looking forward to playing at home again tomorrow and protecting our home record is number one on the agenda.”

Connacht: Tiernan O'Halloran; Darragh Laeder, Bundee Aki, Craig Ronaldson, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You; Aly Muldowney, Andrew Browne; John Muldoon (captain), Nepia Fox-Matamua, Eoghan Masterson.

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Nathan White, Quinn Roux, Eoin McKeon, Ian Porter, Rory Parata, Niyi Adeolokun.

Edinburgh: Blair Kinghorn; Damien Hoyland, Chris Dean, Sam Beard, Will Helu; Phil Burleigh, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne; Rory Sutherland, Neil Cochrane, John Andress, Anton Bresler, Fraser McKenzie, Mike Coman (capt), Roddy Grant, Nasi Manu.

Replacements: George Turner, Allan Dell, Simon Berghan, Alex Toolis, Cornell du Preez, Sean Kennedy, Dougie Fife, Nick McLennan.

Verdict: Connacht