Ahead of their Champions Cup clash with Wasps on Sunday, Connacht Head coach Pat Lam has made four personnel changes from the side that registered a bonus point win over Benetton Treviso in the Pro12 six days ago.
Ireland international Niyi Adeolokun returns this week and starts on the right wing, shifting Cian Kelleher over to the left.
Kieran Marmion also returns to start in the number 9 shirt while Jack Carty is restored at outhalf.
Up front, Ultan Dillane returns for his first game since international duty in the November Test Series. Last week’s man of the match Tom McCartney will earn his 50th Connacht cap when he runs out in Coventry on Sunday.
As part of his new contract and release deal from Wasps, second row James Cannon is not permitted to play.
Finlay Bealham and Peter are both named among the replacements.
Lam said: “The back-to-back window in Champions Cup is always the most testing and the draw hasn’t let us down with this match-up with an in-form Wasps’ side. They are flying high in the Premiership and have not lost a game at home in 2016. To be involved in this type of fixture is exactly what we worked so hard for last year. We are excited by the challenge and opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in Europe.”
Connacht team to play Wasps, European Rugby Champions Cup, Sunday 11th December, Ricoh Arena (kick off: 1pm):
Tiernan O’Halloran; Niyi Adeolokun, Stacey Ili, Bundee Aki, Cian Kelleher, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Conor Carey, Ultan Dillane, Quinn Roux, Nepia Fox-Matamua, Jake Heenan, John Muldoon (captain).
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, JP Cooney, Finlay Bealham, Sean O’Brien, Eoin McKeon, Caolin Blade, Rory Parata, Peter Robb.
