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Thorn during his first interview with Leinster. YouTube Screengrab.

Thorn to make Leinster bow against Connacht

The World Cup-winning All Black will get his first taste of interprovincial action at Old Belvedere RFC tomorrow.

NEW SIGNING BRAD Thorn is set to line out for his new club in the Leinster ‘A’ match with Connacht on Wednesday.

The World Cup winner arrived on a temporary loan from Japanese club Fukuoka Sanix Blues last week and will bring a vast amount of experience to the Heineken Cup champions during a three-month stay.

37-year-old Thorn will make his debut in the pack alongside Mark Flanagan while fellow Kiwi Mat Berquist comes into the team for the first time in six months. John Cooney is at half back and Colm O’Shea partners Brendan Macken in the centre for the fixture in Old Belvedere RFC (3pm).

Connacht give Rodney Ah You his first start since St Stephen’s Day, when he injured his foot and James Loxton also makes a comeback in the backs after being sidelined for five months.

Leinster: Andrew Conway, Andrew Boyle, Brendan Macken, Colm O’Shea, Darren Hudson, Mat Berquist, John Cooney, Jack McGrath, Aaron Dundon, Jamie Hagan, Brad Thorn, Mark Flanagan, Rhys Ruddock, Dominic Ryan, Leo Auva’a.

Connacht: Matthew Jarvis, James Loxton, Brian Murphy, Tadhg Leader, Darragh Leader, Jack Carty, Dave Moore, Finlay Bealham, Dermot Murphy, Rodney Ah You, Conor Kindegren, Mick Kearney, Dave Heffernan, Eoghan Grace, Eoin McKeon.

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