Connacht Rugby have named the lineup for their matchday squad headed to Edinburgh this weekend.
Tadgh McElroy and Seán O’Brien will be among the starting XV for the first time when Connacht play Edinburgh this Saturday.
Eight changes in total have been made to the lineup from last weekend’s victorious squad, as the men of the west are aiming for four wins in a row.
Commenting ahead of the game, head coach Pete Wilkins said, “Tomorrow marks the beginning of an important few weeks for us.”
“We’ve made a good start with the three home wins but now need to keep that form going away from home, starting in Scotland tomorrow.”
Tom Daly and John Porch make their first appearances of the season, with Daly partnering Byron Ralston who moves from the wing to outside centre. Andrew Smith comes in on the left wing, with Porch on the right and Tiernan O’Halloran retained at full-back.
Jack Carty again captains the side with scrum-half Caolin Blade alongside him.
The front row sees Peter Dooley come in alongside McElroy and Jack Aungier, while the Murray brothers Niall and Darragh are paired together in the second row. The starting line-up is completed by flankers Cian Prendergast and Seán O’Brien.
The bench includes the fit-again JJ Hanrahan, while Sam Illo could also feature for the first time this season.
Coach Wilkins said that it is always a challenge to play Edinburgh when you’re away from your home turf, and that they don’t expect Saturday to be any different.
“For us it was important to find a balance in our selection, rewarding recent performances, whilst also providing an opportunity to those players who have narrowly missed out in previous weeks.”
“Above all else it’s a 23 that I believe can get the win, if we play to our strengths and take our opportunities when they come.”
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS EDINBURGH RUGBY
Saturday, November 11, 19:35 – Hive Stadium
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (224)
14. John Porch (80)
13. Byron Ralston (18)
12. Tom Daly (78)
11. Andrew Smith (2)
10. Jack Carty (197) (C)
9. Caolin Blade (173)
1. Peter Dooley (20)
2. Tadgh McElroy (3)
3. Jack Aungier (53)
4. Niall Murray (59)
5. Darragh Murray (10)
6. Cian Prendergast (50)
7. Conor Oliver (65)
8. Seán O’Brien (1)
