CONNACHT HAVE MADE three changes from the side that started against Munster ahead of their Pro12 clash with Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium tomorrow (kick-off: 1.30pm).

Scrum half John Cooney comes in for the rested Kieran Marmion, while Sean O’Brien is given a chance to impress at blindside flanker and Naulia Dawai makes his first start for the province at number 8.

Eoin McKeon could make his 100th Connacht appearance if he comes off the bench, while Tom McCartney captains the side in the absence of the injured John Muldoon.

There is real excitement in the camp as we face another great challenge away to Ospreys who are flying high in the Pro12 championship,” said Connacht boss Pat Lam ahead of the game. “They have one of the best all-round games as well as the most successful record at home this season, highlighted by their 29 points earned out of a possible 30.

“Our focus remains on improving our game and if we can nail our execution and detail, it will give us a great chance of challenging for the points on offer.”

Connacht team to face Ospreys:

15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Rory Parata
12. Peter Robb
11. Matt Healy
10. Jack Carty
9. John Cooney

1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney (captain)
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Quinn Roux
5. James Cannon
6. Sean O’Brien
7. Jake Heenan
8. Naulia Dawai

Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. JP Cooney
18. John Andress
19. Lewis Stevenson
20. Eoin McKeon
21. Caolin Blade
22. Danie Poolman
23. Ciaran Gaffney

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