Connacht duo Tiernan O’Halloran and Kieran Marmion will mark a 100th appearance each when they run out at the Sportsground for round 22 of the Guinness PRO12 against Glasgow Warriors tomorrow at 3pm.
Marmion is one of nine personnel changes made by head coach Pat Lam for the sold out clash that will decide a home playoff spot.
Bundee Aki and Matt Healy have both returned from injury to take their place in a back line that also sees the re-introduction of internationals Robbie Henshaw at centre and AJ MacGinty at outhalf.
The league’s highest capped player John Muldoon returns to captain the side at Number 8 behind a second row partnership of Ultan Dillan and Aly Muldowney. Finlay Bealham, the only player to have featured in all 28 games so far this season, is named to start at tighthead prop.
Commenting on the upcoming game, head coach Pat Lam said:
“Going into play off rugby, we couldn’t ask for a better challenge than playing the defending champions who are on fire at the moment. Glasgow are undefeated since February and they have threats all over the park. While there is so much at stake, we know it’s important for us is to stay focused on what has got us here in the first place. The key now is raising all our standards and team work to yet another level over the next few weeks.
“While we have our place in the play offs secure, we all know what it would mean to the club and the province if we can bring a semi-final to the Sportsground for the first time.
“Both sides have an attacking mindset so it should be an entertaining game for all rugby fans and especially those at the sold out Sportsground. We are really looking forward to it.”
Roscommon’s Denis Buckley remains on the injury list and Kiltoom’s Jack Carty missed out on the place in the 23.
Connacht team to face Glasgow Warriors, Saturday 7th May, the Sportsground, 3pm
15 Tiernan O’Halloran
14 Niyi Adeolokun
13 Robbie Henshaw
12 Bundee Aki
11 Matt Healy
10 AJ MacGinty
9 Kieran Marmion
1 Ronan Loughney
2 Tom McCartney
3 Finlay Bealham
4 Ultan Dillane
5 Aly Muldowney
6 Sean O’Brien
7 Jake Heenan
8 John Muldoon (captain)
Replacements:
16 Dave Heffernan
17 JP Cooney
18 Rodney Ah You
19 Quinn Roux
20 Eoin McKeon
21 John Cooney
22 Shane O’Leary
23 Peter Robb