Pete Wilkins has named the Connacht side for tomorrow’s inter-pro derby with Munster.
There are three enforced changes from the starting team that beat Dragons two weeks ago. Peter Dooley, Paul Boyle and captain Jack Carty replace injury absentees Denis Buckley, Cian Prendergast and JJ Hanrahan.
The other changes see Oisín Dowling start alongside Joe Joyce in the second row, while the fit-again Byron Ralston comes onto the left wing.
The remaining forwards are hooker Dave Heffernan, prop Finlay Bealham and flankers Shamus Hurley-Langton and Conor Oliver.
In the backs Matthew Devine is retained at scrum-half. Whereas, Bundee Aki and Tom Farrell continue their centre pairing, while winger Shane Jennings and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran make up the rest of the back three.
“Firstly we’re incredibly excited about tomorrow’s game” explained head coach Pete Wilkins. “These interpros, especially ones of such importance, are the kind of days you train for and look forward to all year”.
“We’ve picked a 23 that we know can deliver a physical and committed performance from the first minute, because that’s what will be needed”.
“Munster have quality players all over the field and are always a challenge to play in Limerick, but I’m confident in our squad and our game plan that we can give ourselves every opportunity if we play to our potential."
Connacht: 15. Tiernan O’Halloran, 14. Shane Jennings, 13. Tom Farrell, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. Byron Ralston, 10. Jack Carty (C), 9. Matthew Devine, 1. Peter Dooley, 2. Dave Heffernan, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. Joe Joyce, 5. Oisín Dowling, 6. Shamus Hurley-Langton, 7. Conor Oliver, 8. Paul Boyle.
Replacements: 16. Dylan Tierney-Martin, 17. Jordan Duggan, 18. Jack Aungier, 19. Niall Murray, 20. Sean Jansen, 21. Caolin Blade, 22. Cathal Forde, 23. Jarrad Butler
Munster v Connacht
Thomond Park
Saturday 11th May, Kick-Off: 17:15
