The only other change to the matchday 22 sees Mel Deane added to the replacements bench.

The players not considered due to injury were Liam Bibo (hamstring), Andy Dunne (knee), Ronan Loughney (hamstring), Joey Merrigan (shoulder), John Muldoon (knee), Johnny O'Connor (calf), Colm Rigney (knee), Mike Roberts (calf) and Samoan centre Niva Ta'auso (arm).

Previewing the game in the Galway Advertiser, Michael Bradley said: "In Rovigo we felt we achieved our objective in getting a bonus point. As a result there will be an expectation that it will be achieved this week.

"But our attention to detail, which will be critical, needs to be at the required level. This is an important match because it can put us in a good position to qualify.

"We have now two away wins, and if we get a similar result this week it will put us in position for the last two pool matches (in the new year).

"London Irish, as the favourites, will be difficult away, and they look like going through as pool winners, but we should be in a position to qualify."

CONNACHT (v Rugby Rovigo): Fionn Carr; Troy Nathan, Gavin Duffy (capt), Keith Matthews, Daniel Riordan; Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy; Brett Wilkinson, Adrian Flavin, Robbie Morris, Andrew Browne, Andrew Farley, David Gannon, Ray Ofisa, Michael McCarthy.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, John Lyne, Brett McGovern, Michael Swift, Kieran Campbell, Tim Donnelly, Mel Deane.