Connacht team to face Munster at Thomond Park
Pat Lam has named a 26-man squad to face Munster in the third and final pre-season clash before the start of the PRO12 in two weeks’ time. The Thomond Park fixture kicks off at 7:45pm on Friday night, the same day that the Connacht 7’s side, coached by Conor McPhillips, will compete in the Limerick World Club 7’s tournament.
Lam has made eight changes to the side that started against Castres Olympique in France last week with Ireland international Kieran Marmion named in the number nine shirt. Outhalf Jack Carty is also reintroduced to make up the half back pairing. Connacht’s top try scorer from last season Matt Healy is named on the left wing.
Up front, John Muldoon returns to captain the side while Ultan Dillane and Andrew Browne make up a new second row partnership. JP Cooney and Tom McCartney come into the front row to join last week’s try scorer Rodney Ah You.
Tighthead Nathan White, who made his debut for Ireland last weekend, is included amongst the replacements.
Commenting on the team selection and the upcoming game, head coach Pat Lam said:
“We’ve played two tough games against French opposition and nearly everyone has had time to get rid of the pre-season rustiness. Competition is fierce for places which is what we want as coaches.
“Along with the guys in the sevens’ setup this weekend, we see the Munster game as an excellent opportunity to test ourselves against a strong side away from home.”
Connacht 15 – 9: Darragh Leader, Tiernan O’Halloran, Rory Parata, Bundee Aki, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion
1 – 8: JP Cooney, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You, Ultan Dillane, Andrew Browne, John Muldoon (captain), Nepia Fox-Matamua, Eoghan Masterson
Replacements: Finlay Bealham, Dave Heffernan, Nathan White, Quinn Roux, Ben Marshall, Eoin McKeon, George Naoupu,
John Cooney, Craig Ronaldson, Danie Poolman, Dave McSharry
Munster v Connacht
Thomond Park
Friday August 21st
kick off 7:45pm