Connacht coach Michael Bradley has announced a 27-man squad ahead of his side’s Magners League derby tie with Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday (kick-off 6.30pm).
The Samoan brothers Ray Ofisa and Ofisa Treviranus are both due to undergo fitness tests later in the week to determine their involvement in the Ulster game.
Their chances of making the matchday squad are estimated at 50-50. Also included in the squad are Galwegians trio Joe Merrigan, Peter Durcan and Ronan Loughney.
Meanwhile, Ulster flanker Kieron Dawson is bracing himself for an almighty battle at the breakdown with Connacht openside Johnny O’Connor and his back row colleagues on Friday.
Dawson, who recently signed a new deal with the province, said: “Matt (Williams) does a lot of analysis but there is also a lot of personal responsibility to do that yourself.
“I will watch (Johnny) O’Connor’s videos and he does linger on the offside line in most of the games that you see, particularly at the Sportsground.
“But hopefully with the crowd behind, a few of the 50-50 decisions will go our way and we can nullify him. But it will be a hard night for me at the office.”
CONNACHT Squad (v Ulster): Backs (12) – Mel Deane, Gavin Duffy, Andy Dunne, Peter Durcan, Keith Matthews, Conor McPhillips, Matt Mostyn, Troy Nathan, Danny Riordan, Rob Shaw, Ofisa Treviranus, Darren Yapp.
Forwards (15) – Andrew Browne, Liam Casserly, Andrew Farley (capt), Adrian Flavin, John Fogarty, David Gannon, Ronan Loughney, Brian McGovern, Joe Merrigan, Robbie Morris, John Muldoon, Johnny O’Connor, Ray Ofisa, Colm Rigney, Brett Wilkinson.
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