Pat Lam has called on his Connacht side to replicate their European form now that the RaboDirect PRO12 is back in town, starting with the ultimate test at the RDS this weekend. Impressive in defeat against Saracens in their Heineken Cup opener, Connacht then put Zebre to the sword in a 33-6 win. That fine European form contrasts with domestic duties where Lam’s troops have lost four in a row in the RaboDirect PRO12. And the new head coach insists that the trip to reigning champions Leinster this weekend is as good a chance as any to halt the slide. “Coming up against Leinster at the RDS – it doesn't get much bigger than that,” he said. “The current Rabo champions, they've been consistently the best team in Europe for the last number of years. Full of internationals, we know their players will be out to stake a claim ahead of the November series. We know what we're up against. “But these are the type of games you relish and we can't wait for the challenge. We have trained well on the back of a good win in the Heineken Cup and of course we have a plan to execute in order to give us the best opportunity to beat this team.” There are three changes to the team that defeated Zebre, Danie Poolman, who was forced to withdraw late this week due to a tight hamstring, is replaced on the right wing by Tiernan O'Halloran. Mayo-man Gavin Duffy returns to full-back, replacing the injured James So'oialo. Up front, Andrew Browne moves to the bench and makes way for last week's try scorer Mata Fifita at blindside flanker. On the bench, hooker Dave Heffernan is in line to make his first senior appearance in the No.2 jersey. Utility back Daragh Leader is another addition to the match day squad. Leinster also impressed over the European fortnight and have won three of their last four matches in all competitions. They are also unbeaten at the RDS since Ulster were the visitors in March but the management have opted to freshen things up for the visit of Connacht. Luke Fitzgerald starts at outside centre in a new midfield partnership alongside Noel Reid for the interprovincial clash. They are joined in the backline by fellow Ireland internationals Ian Madigan and Eoin Reddan who form a new half-back partnership this weekend. Michael Bent will make his first start this season in a front row which includes Sean Cronin and Jack McGrath. The team will again be led by Jamie Heaslip who continues in the back-row alongside Kevin McLaughlin and the in-form Sean O'Brien. South African international Zane Kirchner is on the bench for O’Connor’s side for the first time since his recent arrival. And McGrath, fresh from his first call-up to the Ireland squad for the autumn internationals, is not takeing Connacht lightly. “Yeah, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster week all right,” he said. “It was great to get on at the weekend and how we got on was even better. I’m just keeping my head down now, taking it step by step and looking forward to this Connacht game. “Connacht have strengths all over the pitch and I think their pack, especially, is one of them. They pride themselves on their scrum, lineout and work-rate so we can’t take them lightly.” At RDS Dublin, 6.45pm. Live on RTE Sport Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU, 23rd competition game) Assistant Referees: Mark Patton, B O’Connell (both IRFU) Citing Commissioner: Eugene Ryan (IRFU) TMO: Alan Rogan (IRFU)
