CONNACHT WILL BE hoping to transfer their fine domestic form onto the European stage this weekend but Pat Lam has made six changes to his side for the clash with La Rochelle at the Sportsground.
The Westerners are flying high in the Pro12 after an impressive start to the season but after a bruising 9-6 win over Treviso last Friday, Lam has opted to shuffle his pack for the visit of the Top 14 side.
All in all, there are five changes in the pack from that victory in Italy with hooker Jason Harris-Wright set to make his first appearance of the season after completing his comeback from shoulder reconstruction injury in May.
The former Leinster man is joined in the front-row by Ronan Loughney and Nathan White while Aly Muldowney is named in the second row for his third start of the season.
It was confirmed earlier this week that Michael Swift, the club’s most-capped player, would be sidelined for up to three weeks with Eoin McKeon reverting to the number eight berth.
There is just one change to a back-line with an average age of just 23. Danie Poolman is given the opportunity from the outset on the right wing with Niyi Adeolokun dropping to the bench.
“As people will see, we’ve backed up our desire to perform and compete in this European competition with a strong team selected. This is a great opportunity to test ourselves against different opposition and continue to build as a team,” Lam said.
“With the physical challenge expected from La Rochelle, it was an opportune time to rotate our front rowers and make some changes to the pack. Once again, it’s a very young back line but these guys have been performing week in week out and have contributed greatly to a good start to our season.”
Connacht:
15. Darragh Leader
14. Danie Poolman
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Craig Ronaldson
11. Matt Healy
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Ronan Loughney
2. Jason Harris-Wright
3. Nathan White
4. Quinn Roux
5. Aly Muldowney
6. John Muldoon (capt)
7. Willie Faloon
8. Eoin McKeon
Replacements:
16 Dave Heffernan
17. Denis Buckley
18. Rodney Ah You
19. Andrew Browne
20. George Naoupu
21. Ian Porter
22. Dave McSharry
23. Niyi Adeolokun.
La Rochelle:
15. Arthur Cestaro
14. Lancelot Luteau,
13. Kini Murimurivalu
12. Albert VuliVuli
11. Damien Cler
10. Hamish Gard
9. Jules Lebail
1. Mike Corbel
2. Benjamin Geledan
3. Vincent Pelo
4. Romana Graham
5. Jacobus Grobler
6. Nicolas Djebaili (capt.)
7. Benoit Guyot
8. Loann Goujon.
Replacements:
16. Rassie Jansen van Vuuren
17. Jordan Seneca
18. Benoit Bourrust
19. Zeno Kieft
20. Leo Cedaro
21 Julien Berger
22. Charles Lagarde
23. Charles Bouldoire
