Jack Carty returns to captain Connacht for their URC interpro with Ulster on Saturday.
The out-half has recovered from a jaw injury in the season opener against Ospreys. Carty will make his first start of the campaign, while Oisín Dowling and Conor Oliver also come into the starting XV.
For the third straight game Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Jack Aungier make up the front row. While Joe Joyce partners Dowling. Oliver’s return means Cian Prendergast, moves to number 8 and Shamus Hurley-Langton to blindside flanker.
The remaining backs are unchanged, scrum-half Caolin Blade, centres Cathal Forde and Tom Farrell. A back three of wingers Diarmuid Kilgallen and Byron Ralston, and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran.
The bench returns to a 5-3 split, with Jordan Duggan and David Hawkshaw in line for their first appearances of the season.
“We’re progressing well so far” said head coach Pete Wilkins. “But we know we need to up our game again to beat what will be a very strong Ulster side”.
“Like us they’ve won their first two games so have some momentum. They will arrive with plenty of intensity, so it’s up to us to match that”.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve had an interpro at The Sportsground. With our first game of the season under the lights it promises to be a special atmosphere and occasion.”
Connacht: 15. Tiernan O’Halloran, 14. Byron Ralston, 13. Tom Farrell, 12. Cathal Forde, 11. Diarmuid Kilgallen, 10. Jack Carty, 9. Caolin Blade, 1. Denis Buckley, 2. Dylan Tierney-Martin, 3. Jack Aungier, 4. Oisín Dowling, 5. Joe Joyce, 6. Shamus Hurley-Langton, 7. Conor Oliver, 8. Cian Prendergast.
Replacements: 16. Tadgh McElroy, 17. Jordan Duggan, 18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy, 19. Niall Murray, 20. Jarrad Butler, 21. Colm Reilly, 22. David Hawkshaw, 23. Andrew Smith.
Connacht v Ulster
The Sportsground, Kick-Off: 19:35
Saturday 4th November
