ROBBIE HENSHAW HAS been ruled out of Connacht’s Pro12 clash with the Scarlets.

The youngster picked up a “minor hip flexor injury” in Ireland’s win over Australia and won’t be risked in the Sportsground on Saturday evening (7.30pm).

“It’s unfortunate that Robbie wasn’t fully ready to come back in,” coach Pat Lam said, ”but it’s important that he is given the time to recover ahead of a very busy and crucial block of games for us.”

Ireland internationals Kieran Marmion and Rodney Ah You both return to a strong side which sees hooker Tom McCartney handed his first start for the province in place of the injured Jason Harris-Wright.

Connacht

15. Mils Muliaina
14. Danie Poolman
13. Bundee Aki
12. Dave McSharry
11. Matt Healy
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney
3. Rodney Ah You
4. Quinn Roux
5. Andrew Browne
6. John Muldoon (captain)
7. Eoin McKeon
8. George Naoupu

Replacements

16. Dave Heffernan
17. Ronan Loughney
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Mick Kearney
20. Willie Faloon
21. John Cooney
22. Craig Ronaldson
23. Darragh Leader

Scarlets

15. Steffan Evans
14. Harry Robinson
13. Michael Tagicakibau
12. Regan King
11. Kristian Phillips
10. Steven Shingler
9. Aled Davies
1. Phil John
2. Kirby Myhill
3. Peter Edwards
4. George Earle
5. Johan Snyman
6. Aaron Shingler
7. James Davies
8. John Barclay (c)

Replacements

16. Ryan Elias
17. Wyn Jones
18. Jacobie Adriaanse
19. Lewis Rawlins
20. Rory Pitman
21. Kieran Hardy
22. Josh Lewis
23. Gareth Owen

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