CONNACHT COACH ERIC ELWOOD has stuck with the same fifteen players that started against Cardiff Blues for Friday’s clash with new club Zebre in the RaboDirect PRO12.

The former Irish international has decided not to make any alterations despite the 13-9 defeat in Round 1, with captain Gavin Duffy chosen alongside Tiernan O’Halloran and Fetu’u Vainikolo in the back three.

Miah Nikora and Mike McCarthy fill the half-back positions along with Mata Fifita and Eoin Griffin.

The front row comprises Ethienne Reynecke, Denis Buckley and Ronan Loughney, with the front five completed by the experienced duo of Michael Swift and Mike McCarthy.

Number eight George Naoupu is flanked by John Muldoon and Johnny O’Connor, in the back row.

Connacht (v Zebre): G Duffy; T O’Halloran, E Griffin, M Fifita, F Vainikolo; M Nikora, K Marmion; D Buckley, E Reynecke, R Loughney; M Swift, M McCarthy; J Muldoon, J O’Connor, G Naoupu.

Replacements: A Flavin, R Ah You, N White, D Gannon, W Faloon, F Murphy, M Jarvis, R Henshaw.

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