Connacht Make Three Changes For Dragons Game
Head coach Pat Lam has made three personnel changes to his Connacht side that will face the Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on Sunday (kick-off 4pm).
On his return from injury, Craig Ronaldson has been named to start at inside centre while Dave McSharry moves outside him and Danie Poolman switches to the right wing.
In the absence of the injured Kieran Marmion, scrum half John Cooney will partner Jack Carty at half-back.
There is just one change to the pack with George Naoupu making way for Eoghan Masterson at number 8. It will be the 21-year-old’s first start of the season.
Changes to the bench include the incoming Shane Delahunt, Finlay Bealham and Michael Kearney.
Commenting on the province’s quick return to Wales, Pat Lam said: “Despite last week’s defeat to the Scarlets, we remain in sixth place and a top six finish is still in our hands. However, we no longer have that safety net and the outcome of Sunday’s game is important for both sides.
“The Dragons will be brimming with confidence on their home patch after a big win (over Leinster) last week and we know the challenge we face.
“The guys worked extremely hard in what was a tough week’s training but that work needs to be reflected in 80 minutes of team work on the field on Sunday.”
CONNACHT (v Newport Gwent Dragons): Darragh Leader; Danie Poolman, Dave McSharry, Craig Ronaldson, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, John Cooney; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Nathan White, Quinn Roux, Aly Muldowney, John Muldoon (capt), Jake Heenan, Eoghan Masterson.
Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Rodney Ah You, Finlay Bealham, Michael Kearney, George Naoupu, Ian Porter, Niyi Adeolokun, Tiernan O’Halloran.