International Quintet Slot Back In For Connacht
Connacht head Coach Pat Lam has made six changes to the starting line-up ahead of Saturday’s GUINNESS PRO12 round 4 game away to the Scarlets (kick-off 7.35pm).
Ireland internationals Matt Healy, Kieran Marmion, Finlay Bealham, Quinn Roux and Ultan Dillane are all brought into the side that will run out at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday night.
Along with Roux, Jake Heenan makes a welcome return from injury and his first appearance of the season. Dillane starts in the back row for the first time, lining out alongside the fit-again Heenan and captain John Muldoon.
Commenting on the team selection and the trip to Llanelli, Pat Lam said: “With more guys coming back from injury, it’s pleasing to be able to select a bit more experience in our side. Quinn and Jake returning is obviously a boost and it helps drive more competition within the squad.
“Although we have never won at Parc y Scarlets before, we are really excited by the challenge to try and create a small bit of history.
“While both teams are obviously determined to get points on the table, our focus remains on the quality of our performance.”
The province’s list of currently injured/unavailable players includes Nathan White, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Ivan Soroka, Saba Meunargia, Ben Marshall, Nepia Fox-Matamua, Sean O’Brien, Eoghan Masterson, John Cooney, Conor Lowndes, Craig Ronaldson, Marnitz Boshoff, Peter Robb, Rory Parata, Josh Rowland, Danie Poolman, Darragh Leader and Ciaran Gaffney.
CONNACHT (v Scarlets): Tiernan O’Halloran; Niyi Adeolokun, Bundee Aki, Eoin Griffin, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Finlay Bealham, Quinn Roux, Andrew Browne, Ultan Dillane, Jake Heenan, John Muldoon (capt).
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Ronan Loughney, JP Cooney, Lewis Stevenson, Eoin McKeon, Caolin Blade, Shane O’Leary, Cian Kelleher.