THE PRO12 BOOTROOM

LEINSTER v OSPREYS

TEAM NEWS: Leinster change seven from Sunday’s win at Zebre, handing starts to internationals Cian Healy, Mike Ross, Rhys Ruddock, Ian Madigan and Eoin Reddan. Sean Cronin and Fergus McFadden also start. Ospreys change three, Owen Watkin, Nicky Smith and Tyler Ardron making the step up.

LAST THREE MEETINGS: JAN 16 – Ospreys 9 Leinster 22. FEB 15 – Ospreys 9 Leinster 9. NOV 14 – Leinster 18 Ospreys 12.

VERDICT: Leinster. WHY: Ospreys’ third trip to Ireland in four weeks won’t have a happy ending. No longer Leinster’s bogey team, their recent run being just one win in eight, their lack of depth minus their halfdozen Wales Test contingent will be exposed by a strong home selection.

MUNSTER v DRAGONS

TEAM NEWS: Munster change three after their lucky escape last Sunday in Treviso. Simon Zebo (left) moves from Ireland bench to provincial wing, with Tommy O’Donnell and Niall Scannell coming into the pack. Dragons also switch three after narrow home loss to Glasgow, bringing in backs Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey and Charlie Davies.

LAST THREE MEETINGS: DEC 15 – Dragons 22 Munster 8. MAY 15 – Munster 50 Dragons 27. NOV 14 – Dragons 12 Munster 38.

VERDICT: Munster. WHY: It’s a sign of how far once mighty Munster have fallen that their home fear factor is gone. However, while No 9 Duncan Williams is a weak link behind an inconsistent pack, they

will nervously edge this.