Connacht’s director of rugby Eric Elwood has guided his team to seventh in the Magners League and also a fine 16-13-win over French side in the Amlin Challenge Cup last Friday.

Leinster have not won in Galway since 2008 but, buoyed by fine Heineken Cup wins over Racing Metro and Saracens, Healy is adamant they can improve that record.

“There will be stiff opposition from them and the Sportsground is a tough place to go, but a few of the Leinster boys will be going out there with a real point to prove that it’s not just big day occasions that we play for,” said Healy.

“We have had three big games lately and this is one where we can easily let the foot off the gas if we don’t come out with all guns firing.

“There’s an extra edge, personally speaking, when you’re playing against players you know. It’s the same when you play against Munster or Ulster. You know the players from the Ireland camps and it’s good to get one over them.”