Second-place Leinster are eyeing a return to the top of the Guinness PRO12 when they face Newport Gwent Dragons – who are riding high on the back of a win against Edinburgh Rugby last time around. The pair meet at the RDS Arena on Saturday at 7.35pm as second plays ninth in a crucial contest, with ramifications at the top and bottom of the league. What’s at stake? Leinster are just one point behind leaders Munster in second place, and will have their eye on toppling their fellow Irish outfit – who face a tricky trip to fifth-place Glasgow Warriors on Friday night. The Dragons will provide a stern test, as they look to make it three wins on the spin in the league. Team news (Leinster Rugby): James Tracy starts as hooker, while Ross Molony and Hayden Tracy come into the second row, and blindside Rhys Ruddock returns. Luke McGrath and Joey Carbery both start, having made their debuts for Ireland in the recent Autumn Internationals. Team news (Newport Gwent Dragons): Welsh international centre Tyler Morgan is the big name back in the Dragons’ fold, while Adam Warren comes in on the wing. Nic Cudd, Harrison Keddie, Rynard Landman, Phil Price and Brok Harris all return. Talking points: Leo Cullen’s Leinster will have been boosted by the news Ireland lock Devin Toner has signed a deal with the club until 2020, although the big second row is not in the squad to face the Dragons. Meanwhile, Newport will be without centre Sam Beard due to a dead leg. Tyler Morgan, who replaces him, sung Beard’s praises this week. “Sam’s probably been the best centre we’ve had this season and I’ve learnt a lot from him,” he said. “He is a player who makes those right decisions at the right time.” Key Battle: Angus O’Brien will face off against Isa Nacewa at a key matchup at fly-half. Key stat: Leinster were on a six-game winning streak before losing against Scarlets in their last match. Did you know? Dragons were the last team to beat Leinster on home soil in the Guinness Pro12, a 16-14 win in February 2015. Leinster Rugby: Kirchner; Byrne, O’Loughlin, Reid, Nacewa; Carbery, McGrath; Dooley, Tracy, Bent; Molony, Tracy; Ruddock, Leavy, Conan. Replacements: Strauss, Porter, Loughman, McCarthy, Deegan, Rock, Byrne, Daly. Top Points Scorer: Ica Nacewa 56pts. Top Try Scorer: Adam Byrne 5. Newport Gwent Dragons: Meyer; Howard, Morgan, Dixon, Warren; O’Brien, Knoyle; Price, Dee, Harris; Crosswell, Landman; Evans, Cudd, Keddie. Replacements: Buckley, Davies, Fairbrother, Hill, Thomas, Pretorius, Jones, Prydie. Top Points Scorer: Angus O’Brien 45. Top Try Scorer: Pat Howard 3. TV: TG4 (KO 7.35pm) Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR). Assistant Referees: Matteo Liperini (FIR), Stuart Douglas (IRFU). TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR).
