Head Coach Pat Lam has made one change to his starting line-up for Connacht’s GUINNESS PRO12 interpro clash with Leinster at the Sportsground in Galway tomorrow night.
Lock Aly Muldowney replaces Mick Kearney for his first start of the season. Irish qualified Muldowney joins the on-loan Quinn Roux in the second row partnership while Galway man John Muldoon will captain the side from the back row.
There are no changes to the young back line with 22-year-old Jack Carty, who earned his first start against Leinster in Galway last season, keeping hold of the reigns at outhalf. Ireland international Kieran Marmion, who plays his 56th consecutive game since his debut in September 2012, makes up the half back pairing.
There are changes to the bench with the uncapped sub Academy hooker Shane Delahunt and prop Ronan Loughney named amongst the forwards replacements while Dublin-born Matt Healy could also make his first appearance of the season.
Connacht line-up v Leinster
15. Darragh Leader
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Dave McSharry
11. Danie Poolman
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Nathan White
4. Aly Muldowney
5. Quinn Roux
6. John Muldoon ©
7. Willie Faloon
8. Eoin McKeon
Replacements:
16. Shane Delahunt
17. Ronan Loughney
18. Rodney Ah You
19. Mick Kearney
20. George Naoupu
21. Ian Porter
22. Craig Ronaldson
23. Matt Healy
Commenting on the team selection and the upcoming game, Head Coach Pat Lam said:
“Aly comes in for his first start after recovering from a pre-season injury sustained in France. It’s great to have further options up front and we look forward to Mick’s impact off the bench.
“With the unfortunate injury to Sean (Henry), young Shane (Delahunt) comes in as a replacement. Shane travelled with us to Clermont and got some game time against a top French side. It’s fair to say he’s pretty excited to be getting an opportunity a lot earlier than he would have expected.
“We’re pleased to have Matt (Healy) and Ronan (Loughney) back for us. They’re both very hungry to play and we expect a powerful impact from the bench if they’re called upon.
“As far as the game goes, there’s no doubt we’re all hugely excited for tomorrow’s game. This is a brilliant opportunity for our young side to test themselves as a team against a world-class side full of quality individuals.”
Tickets for Connacht v Leinster are going fast with the Clan Stand and Main Stand now SOLD OUT. There are limited tickets remaining for behind the goals, in the Enclosed Stand and the newly installed Seated Stand. Click here for tickets.
Connacht v Leinster
At the Sportsground
Kick off 7.35pm
Live on TG4
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Eddie Hagan-O’Connell, Olly Hodges (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: John Cole (IRFU)
TMO: Seamus Flannery (IRFU)