CONNACHT HEAD COACH Pat Lam has made four personnel changes to the team that beat Cardiff Blues last weekend, with a further two positional switches for the match against bottom Pro12 side Treviso [KO 3.00pm].
South African outhalfMarnitz Boshoff makes his first start, after coming off the bench last Friday, while Matt Healy returns from injury to start on the left wing.
Cian Kelleher moves from fullback to right wing with Tiernan O’Halloran coming in at 15.
Meanwhile, there is one change in the forward pack withNepia Fox-Matamuanamed to start at blindside flanker.
Injury means Craig Ronaldson is ruled out, with Stacey Ili slotting into midfield to partner Bundee Aki.
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Sean O’Brien, Dominic Robertson-McCoy and Rory Parata all come into the matchday squad while Academy graduate Rory Parata could make his first appearance of the season.
Ireland internationals Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Kieran Marmion, and Niyi Adeoloku are all rested ahead of next week’s return to Europe.
“After an important result last week, it’s great to be back at home for another crucial game in the Guinness PRO12.
“We know we are expected to win this game against Treviso tomorrow but we can only do that on the back of solid preparation.
“It’s been a good week together as a squad and we’re excited to get out there to fight for more vital points before attention turns to Champions Cup rugby.”
Connacht:
15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Cian Kelleher
13. Bundee Aki
12. Stacey Ili
11. Matt Healy
10. Marnitz Boshoff
9. John Cooney
1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney
3. Conor Carey
4. Quinn Roux
5. James Cannon
6. Nepia Fox-Matamua
7. Jake Heenan
8. John Muldoon (captain)
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. JP Cooney
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy
19. Sean O’Brien
20. Eoin McKeon
21. Caolin Blade
22. Jack Carty
23. Rory Parata
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Connacht hand Springbok Boshoff first start as Lam rings the changes for Treviso clash
CONNACHT HEAD COACH Pat Lam has made four personnel changes to the team that beat Cardiff Blues last weekend, with a further two positional switches for the match against bottom Pro12 side Treviso [KO 3.00pm].
South African outhalf Marnitz Boshoff makes his first start, after coming off the bench last Friday, while Matt Healy returns from injury to start on the left wing.
Cian Kelleher moves from fullback to right wing with Tiernan O’Halloran coming in at 15.
Meanwhile, there is one change in the forward pack with Nepia Fox-Matamua named to start at blindside flanker.
Injury means Craig Ronaldson is ruled out, with Stacey Ili slotting into midfield to partner Bundee Aki.
Sean O’Brien, Dominic Robertson-McCoy and Rory Parata all come into the matchday squad while Academy graduate Rory Parata could make his first appearance of the season.
Ireland internationals Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Kieran Marmion, and Niyi Adeoloku are all rested ahead of next week’s return to Europe.
Speaking ahead of the game, Lam sees the tomorrow’s game as ideal preparation for the trip to Wasps.
“After an important result last week, it’s great to be back at home for another crucial game in the Guinness PRO12.
“We know we are expected to win this game against Treviso tomorrow but we can only do that on the back of solid preparation.
“It’s been a good week together as a squad and we’re excited to get out there to fight for more vital points before attention turns to Champions Cup rugby.”
Connacht:
15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Cian Kelleher
13. Bundee Aki
12. Stacey Ili
11. Matt Healy
10. Marnitz Boshoff
9. John Cooney
1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney
3. Conor Carey
4. Quinn Roux
5. James Cannon
6. Nepia Fox-Matamua
7. Jake Heenan
8. John Muldoon (captain)
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. JP Cooney
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy
19. Sean O’Brien
20. Eoin McKeon
21. Caolin Blade
22. Jack Carty
23. Rory Parata
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
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