Will Connors starts as Leinster go with 6:2 split v Toulouse

Will Connors has earned a starting role in Saturday's Investec Champions Cup final against Toulouse in London, with Leo Cullen reverting back to his winning formula from the quarter-finals.

The flanker comes into the first XV as one of three changes to the side that started the semi-final win against Northampton Saints three weeks ago, while Garry Ringrose has failed in his bid to recover from a long-term shoulder issue in time.

Connors replaces Josh van der Flier at openside flanker, while Van der Flier is set to feature off the bench as part of a 6:2 split of forwards and backs.

It's a strategy that worked for the province in their two biggest wins of the season, when they defeated defending champions La Rochelle in the pool stage in December, before seeing off Ronan O'Gara's side again in the quarter-finals last month.

The other notable selection sees Jason Jenkins preferred in the second row to James Ryan. The South African partners Joe McCarthy at lock, with Ryan among the replacements, and Caelan Doris captaining the side.

Hugo Keenan, who is set to link up with the Ireland Sevens team next week, starts at full-back after missing the quarter and semi-final victories, with his return seeing Ciarán Frawley move to the bench, where he will provide cover at out-half, centre and full-back.

The rest of the side is as expected, with Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong starting in front of McCarthy and Jenkins.

Ryan Baird, who is the only player to have played every minute of this season's Champions Cup, retains his place at blindside flanker, completing the pack alongside Doris and Connors.

There's no surprise in the half-backs, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Ross Byrne partnered together, while Jamie Osborne continues