Leinster host Ulster at the RDS on New Year’s Eve at 3pm as both teams look to gather momentum heading into the New Year. The Leinstermen are third after being toppled by Munster last week, while Ulster are on a high after three wins in four. Ulster are fourth in the table, five points and one place behind their hosts. What’s at stake? Leinster will be looking to close the gap on Munster and Ospreys at the top of the table. Leo Cullen’s side are on 37 points from 11 games just three points behind the Welsh outfit, who sit second, and five behind their Irish counterparts. Ulster, meanwhile, are on 32 points, but have a game in hand. They have a poor record at the RDS in recent years, and will be wary that a loss will open the door for Scarlets and Glasgow to leapfrog them in the table. Team news (Leinster Rugby): Coach Leo Cullen makes 12 changes to his starting line-up, but Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton has failed to recover from a hamstring injury. A completely new pack has been selected after their Boxing Day loss to Munster. Their all-international back row is a strong one, with Sean O’Brien, Josh van der Flier and Jamie Heaslip featuring. Team news (Ulster Rugby): Andrew Trimble returns to the Ulster line-up after coming back from a foot injury sustained on international duty on November. Les Kiss makes seven changes in all after Ulster’s 23-7 win over Connacht on December 23rd. Talking points: Both teams are missing key members of the squad, with Leinster missing international No.10s Jonathan Sexton and Joey Carbery. Ulster, meanwhile are without Ireland captain Rory Best. Fly-half duties fall onto youngster Ross Byrne, who has a seasoned operator as his opposite number in South African Ruan Pienaar – with Paddy Jackson unavailable for Ulster. Lions contenders: Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip, Tommy Bowe. Leinster Rugby: Isa Nacewa (c); Adam Byrne, Garry Ringrose, Noel Reid, Rory O’Loughlin; Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath; Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Michael Bent; Devin Toner, Hayden Triggs; Sean O’Brien, Josh van der Flier, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Andrew Porter, Jeremy Loughman, Mick Kearney, Jack Conan, Jamieson Gibson-Park, Tom Daly, Zane Kirchner. Top Points Scorer: Isa Nacewa 71pts. Top Try Scorer: Adam Byrne 5. Ulster Rugby: Charles Piutau; Andrew Trimble, Stuart McCloskey, Darren Cave, Tommy Bowe; Ruan Pienaar, Paul Marshall; Andy Warwick, Rob Herring, Rodney Ah You; Keiran Treadwell, Franco van der Merwe; Clive Ross, Sean Reidy, Roger Wilson. Replacements: John Andrew, Callum Black, Jonny Simpson, Pete Browne, Chris Henry, Brett Herron, Louis Ludik, Jacob Stockdale. Top Points Scorer: Paddy Jackson 102pts. Top Try Scorer: Charles Piutau 3. TV: Sky Sports 2 (KO 3.00pm) Match officials – Referee: John Lacey (IRFU). Assistant Referee 1: Frank Murphy (IRFU). AR2: Joy Murphy (IRFU).TMO: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU). Guinness PRO12 Final 2017 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 adults and €5 child, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie. For further information visit http://www.pro12rugby.com/final Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record: Played 31, Leinster won 23, Ulster won 6 with 2 games drawn. At RDS Arena, 3pm Live on Sky Sports Referee: John Lacey (IRFU, 58th competition game) Assistant Referees: Frank Murphy, Joy Neville (both IRFU) Citing Commissioner: Eugene Ryan (IRFU) TMO: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU)
