The Guinness PRO14’s two leading teams face off this weekend as Leinster Rugby host Glasgow Warriors in what each will hope is a preview for what’s to come, with the Final Series just around the corner.

With Leinster’s top spot already confirmed, Warriors know a win is crucial if they are to secure a place at the semi-final stage.

What’s at stake?

With Glasgow just three points ahead of Munster in Conference A, they know a victory will keep them at the top of the table regardless of Munster’s result against Benetton.

Defending champions Leinster are more comfortable at the top of Conference B, with Leo Cullen’s side 20 points clear of nearest challengers Ulster.

They will be eager to return to winning ways, though. after a defeat and a draw in their last two outings.

Team News (Leinster Rugby)

Sean O’Brien will captain the side as the hosts are boosted by the return of several players from injury.

In the back three, Rob Kearney is joined by Jordan Larmour and Dave Kearney, with the returning Robbie Henshaw paired with Joe Tomane in the midfield, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Ross Byrne the half backs.

Ed Byrne, James Tracy and Michael Bent start in the front row, with Devin Toner back from injury to take his place in the second row alongside Academy forward Jack Dunne, who makes his first Leinster start.

Team News (Glasgow Warriors)

Dave Rennie has made two changes to the team that beat Ulster 30-7 last Friday.

Adam Hastings and Tommy Seymour – try-scorers that night – keep their place, whilst Scott Cummings is named in the second row, meaning Rob Harley shifts to six and Jamie Bhatti starts at loose-head.

Huw Jones is among the replacements and could play for the first time since picking up a knee injury whilst playing for Scotland against Ireland.

Talking points

Leinster backs coach Felipe Contempomi: “It’s finals rugby now and everyone wants to be on the big dates.

“For you to be on the big dates you have to be performing well.

“We always want to win, that’s our mentality.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie: “We’re looking forward to testing ourselves against the best team in Europe.

“It’s an exciting challenge and exactly the kind of game we need as we gear towards knock-out footy.

“We’ve prepared well and, 1-23, expect to see the same levels of desperation and brutality that we saw against Ulster on Friday night.”

Key battle: Robbie Henshaw vs Sam Johnson

Robbie Henshaw returns to action for the first time since Ireland’s first Guinness Six Nations game against England, and will have to be at his best as faces off against Sam Johnson.

Henshaw played full-back that day but returns to the more familiar position of inside centre.

The talented Johnson scored against Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations as part of an impressive campaign for the Scot and will hope to help his club claim a victory.

Did you know?

Leinster Rugby are winless in their last two Guinness PRO14 encounters but have not gone three in a row without a victory for four years.

Key stat

Glasgow Warriors are the best team on current form in the Guinness PRO14, garnering 29 out of a possible 30 league points in their last six games.

Leinster: Rob Kearney, Jordan Lamour, Joe Tomane, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney, Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ed Byrne, James Tracy, Michael Bent, Devin Toner, Jack Dunne, Josh Murphy, Sean O’Brien ©, Caelan Doris

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Tadgh Furlong, Will Connors, Max Deegan, Hugh O’Sullivan, Ciaran Frawley, Adam Byrne

Glasgow Warriors: Sturart Hogg, Tommy Seymour, Kyle Steyn, Sam Johnson, Niko Matawulu, Adam Hastings, Ali Price, Jamie Bhatti, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Jonny Gray, Rob Harley, Chris Fusaro ©, Matt Fagerson

Replacements: Grant Steward, Alex Allan, D’Arcy Rae, Bruce Flockhart, Adam Ashe, George Horne, Pete Horne, Huw Jones

TV: eir sport, DAZN, Premier Sports

Referee: Marius Mitrea (IRFU

Assistant Referees: Joy Neville (IRFU),**** Mateo Liperini (FIR)

TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)