Kiltoom’s Jack Carty and Galway’s Tiernan O’Halloran both return from injury to start in a back line that also sees the introduction of wing Fionn Carr and scrum half John Cooney. Rory Parata is named to start in an Academy midfield partnership with Peter Robb.
Overall Pat Lam has made 10 personnel changes to the team that defeated Munster 12 days ago.
Up front, props Ronan Loughney and Rodney Ah You start in a front row with hooker Tom McCartney who captains the side for the second time this season.
Quinn Roux and Andrew Browne make up a new second row partnership while the back row is also changed with the return of openside Jake Heenan from injury. Eoin McKeon shifts to Number 8 with John Muldoon named on the bench.
Caolin Blade and the fit-again AJ MacGinty are included amongst the replacement backs alongside Ireland international Robbie Henshaw.
Commenting on the team selection and the upcoming game, head coach Pat Lam said:
“We’re under no illusions when it comes to the challenge we face in trying to secure a semi final spot tomorrow night in Italy. Treviso are desperate for points to get them into next year’s Champions Cup. This is their last home game before they travel to play Leinster in the RDS so we know which game they will be targeting for the crucial points.
“However we’re very excited to be playing for so much at this time of the year. As well as a maiden semi final place, we have a great opportunity to be the only team to have stayed in the top four for all 22 rounds of the league competition. Considering we have had to change the starting team for every round it would be a great testament to the level of consistency we have reached all season as a squad.
“With some players returning and unfortunately losing a few others to injury, we see a much-changed team again this week. But the expectation remains that those selected have a responsibility to execute their roles and work hard for the team. This will give us the best chance to secure the points and some very special outcomes for Connacht Rugby.”
Connacht team to face Benetton Treviso, tomorrow – Friday 29th April, Stadio Monigo, 7:30pm (local time)
15 Tiernan O’Halloran
14 Niyi Adeolokun
13 Rory Parata
12 Peter Robb
11 Fionn Carr
10 Jack Carty
9 John Cooney
1 Ronan Loughney
2 Tom McCartney (Captain)
3 Rodney Ah You
4 Quinn Roux
5 Andrew Browne
6 Sean O’Brien
7 Jake Heenan
8 Eoin McKeon
Replacements:
16 Dave Heffernan
17 JP Cooney
18 Finlay Bealham
19 Aly Muldowney
20 John Muldoon
21 Coalin Blade
22 AJ MacGinty
23 Robbie Henshaw