Bradley Confirms Connacht Line-Up
Connacht coach Michael Bradley has made a number of changes for his side’s Magners League meeting with the Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 4.30pm).
In the backs, Liam Bibo, Niva Ta’auso, Miah Nikora and Conor O’Loughlin come into the side.
Flanker Ray Ofisa is ruled out through illness and up front Ronan Loughney, Michael Swift, Johnny O’Connor and Mike McCarthy have earned recalls.
“We know it will be a tough test against the Dragons but we are anxious to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Ulster,” explained Michael Bradley.
“The Dragons, like ourselves, are a difficult side at home normally. This year they have a strong resolve. They have started well, are strong and have plenty of confidence.
“They will be under pressure to get a win over us, and we will go there looking to get something – if not to make up for last weekend. It’s a match we can win and we will go there with that atttitude.”
CONNACHT (v Newport Gwent Dragons): Gavin Duffy; Liam Bibo, Niva Ta’auso, Keith Matthews, Troy Nathan; Miah Nikora, Conor O’Loughlin; Ronan Loughney, Sean Cronin, Jamie Hagan, Michael Swift, Bernie Upton, Mike McCarthy, Johnny O’Connor, John Muldoon (capt).
Replacements: Adrian Flavin, Brett Wilkinson, Andrew Browne, Mike McComish, Frank Murphy, Ian Keatley, Aidan Wynne.