CONNACHT HAVE BEEN able to bolster their ranks for tomorrow’s Pro14 encounter with Ospreys at the Sportsground (kick-off 3pm).
Captain Jarrad Butler returns from injury to lead the side, while Peter Robb is named to start at inside centre in a timely return to replace the injured Sam Arnold.
With no Jack Carty in the squad, Bundee Aki has been deemed fit enough for the replacements bench after knee trouble and Abraham Papali’i is also primed to add impact from Connacht’s bench.
Conor Fitzgerald starts at out-half behind an in-form pack boasting Ultan Dillane, Quinn Roux and Conor Oliver.
Connacht (v Ospreys)
15. John Porch
14. Peter Sullivan
13. Tom Daly
12. Peter Robb
11. Alex Wootton
10. Conor Fitzgerald
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Ultan Dillane
5. Quinn Roux
6. Jarrad Butler Capt
7. Conor Oliver
8. Paul Boyle
Replacements
16. Shane Delahunt
17. Matthew Burke
18. Conor Kenny
19. Gavin Thornbury
20. Abraham Papali’i
21. Caolin Blade
22. Bundee Aki
23. Matt Healy
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Hopefully papali’i has spent the last 8 weeks working on his tackling technique cause another red will get him a huge ban id say and could end his career
@s mc: that last red was extremely harsh, seen worse and no cards given! The big man has the makings of a very good player.
@Paul Hogan: it was very harsh but he is a marked man now. No matter how accidental or harsh it is, he will unfortunately be made an example of. His first ban had weeks taken off because it was his first red card. His 2nd was longer, so IF he gets a 3rd it will probably be 12 weeks or longer
@s mc: ya I agree he is marked out now ( and that last red hasn’t helped) and obviously needs to be careful I’m sure connacht are working on tackle technique with him. I think his been great so far. Hope he gets a good run of games
Wonder is Carty rested with Farrell already having decided that Burns and himself will back up Sexton at 10 in the Six Nations squad?