European Team Check

Leinster (v Biarritz)

Leinster have made two changes for their European Cup match against Biarritz at Donnybrook tomorrow night. Bob Casey replaces Blackrock College team-mate Leo Cullen in the second row while Trevor Brennan is preferred to Eric Miller at blindside flanker. Coach Matt Williams was quick to point out that Cullen and Miller weren't dropped and that it was a case of "horses for courses."

He pointed out: "I was very happy with the performance against Edinburgh but disappointed at the outcome. We are lacking in the ability to finish teams off. We attacked very well and defended strongly except for a few lapses. For us this season it is an achievement to have the same 22 players for the second match running."

Biarritz arrive in Dublin today, the French Cup holders having beaten the reigning European champions Northampton (the English side were significantly under strength) in their opening match. Williams noted from his video analysis that the French team boasted a very big, powerful pack and fast outside backs. "They are a topline heavyweight side and we have to make sure we can dance in the ring."

Tomorrow night's game at Donnybrook begins at 7.0 with RTE television showing delayed full coverage of the game starting at 7.30. Williams urged the Dublin public to come and support Leinster and try to recreate the atmosphere of last season when they toppled Leicester, Stade Francais and Glasgow Caledonians at home.

Leinster: G Dempsey; D Hickie, B O'Driscoll, S Horgan, G D'Arcy; E Hekenui, K Putt; R Corrigan, S Byrne, E Byrne; M O'Kelly, B Casey; T Brennan, V Costello, L Toland (capt). Replacements: M McHugh, P McKenna, B O'Meara, E Miller, L Cullen, G Halpin, P Smyth.

Munster (v Castres)

Munster have announced an unchanged team from that which defeated Newport for their European game against Castres at Stade Pierre Antoine on Saturday. The only concern centres on replacement utility back Killian Keane who picked up a shoulder injury while playing for Garryowen last Sunday. Munster, who fly out today, will bring two additional players to France, John O'Neill and Donnacha O'Callaghan, in case of any training mishaps.

Munster: D Crotty; J Kelly, M Mullins, J Holland, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; P Clohessy, F Sheahan, J Hayes; M Galwey (capt), J Langford; A Quinlan, A Foley, D Wallace. Replacements: M Horan, J Blaney, M O'Driscoll, C McMahon, T Tierney, J Staunton, K Keane. Extra players: J O'Neill, D O'Callaghan.

Connacht (v Neath)

Connacht make three alterations to the side which lost narrowly to Beziers for Saturday's European Shield game against Neath at the Gnoll. Former Bristol player Darren Yapp replaces the injured Nigel Carolan on the wing while Gavin Schoeman and Ian Dillon come into the back row in place of Colm Rigney and Johnny O'Connor respectively.

Coach Steph Nel stressed that O'Connor (20) and Rigney (22) were young players and that he was conscious of that fact. They weren't dropped, it was merely a case of Schoeman and Dillon adding greater bulk for what will be a physically abrasive encounter. He has left a vacancy in the replacements and may fly out an additional prop as Dan McFarland's wife is due to have a baby.

"It was the old Connacht story the last day," said Nel, "we threw it away. We have got to get out of the underdog syndrome where we are good for the odd win. We have tasted victory this season but I want us to want to taste it again and again and again. I don't want these guys to lose confidence. We are getting there, but I'd just like to get there a little bit quicker."

Connacht: W Munn; P Duignan, M Smyth, T Allnutt, D Yapp; E Elwood, B Shelbourne; D McFarland, M Uijs, J Screene; R Frost, D Browne; J Charlie (capt), G Schoeman, I Dillon. Replacements: M Cahill, J McVeigh, C Rigney, J O'Connor, J Ferris, R Lee, A N Other.

Ulster (v Saracens)

Ulster will not confirm their side for Sunday's European Cup game against Saracens at Vicarage Road until today. Russell Nelson remains the primary concern along with a couple of players nursing bumps and bruises.