Daniel Riordan has recovered from his flu in time for Sunday’s game and takes his place in the side at outside centre while Ray Ofisa starts at blindside flanker for the first time since these sides last met in November.

Michael Swift starts in the second row alongside Captain Andrew Farley, having been on the bench for Connacht’s last game against Munster and former Australian U21 international, Liam Bibo, could well make his professional debut for the province should he take part in the game, having been named amongst the replacements.

Connacht team

G Duffy; D Yapp, D Riordan, M Deane, A Wynne; A Dunne, C O’Loughlin; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Morris; M Swift, A Farley (C); R Ofisa, M McCarthy, C Rigney.

Replacements: J Fogarty, R Loughney, D Gannon, J O’Connor, C McPhillips, T Donnelly, L Bibo.

Not considered due to injury: J Hearty (hip), K Matthews (calf), M Mostyn (hamstring), J Muldoon (back).