Connacht Opener In France

Connacht open their Parker Pen Challenge Cup campaign on Sunday in the
south of France when they take on Beziers in the first leg of the tie at Stade
de la Mediterranee (ko 2pm Irish time). Coach Michael Bradley makes five
changes from the side beaten by Gwent Dragons in the Celtic League last time
out. Eric Elwood and Chris Keane return at half back with captain
Tim Allnutt returning in the centre. Mark McHugh reverts to full-back.

Up front Mike McCarthy comes into the second row for the injured Andrew
Farley, while in the back row Matt Lacey starts at openside.

Connacht (v Beziers): M. McHugh; M. Mostyn, D. Yapp, T. Allnutt capt.,
C. McPhillips; E. Elwood, C. Keane; D. McFarland, B. Jackman, A. Clarke; M.
McCarthy, D. Browne; M. Swift, M. Lacey, J. O’Sullivan.
Replacements: J. Fogarty, F. Boiroux, J. Muldoon, T. Carter, M. Walls,
D. Hewitt, T. Robinson.

Full Details at: UlsterRugby.ie

Meanwhile, Munster coach Alan Gaffney makes just one change from the
side that started against Cardiff Blues, for his side’s Heineken Cup
opener against Bourgoin on Saturday (ko 6pm French time). John Kelly,
forced out of that game through injury returns to the side at the expense of
Mossie Lawlor. Good news for Munster is the return of Rob Henderson
who is named on the bench as is Scottish international prop, Gordon McIlwham.

Munster: Jeremy Staunton; John Kelly, Mike Mullins, Jason Holland, Shaun
Payne; Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer; Marcus Horan, Frank Sheahan, John Hayes;
Paul O’Connell, Donncha O’Callaghan; Jim Williams capt, David Wallace,
Anthony.
Replacements: Gordon McIlwham, James Blaney, Stephen Keogh, David Pusey
or Eddie Halvey, Eoin Reddan, Rob Hennderson, Mossie Lawlor.

Full Details at: MunsterRugby.ie