Head Coach Pat Lam has called up academy lock Academy lock Ultan Dillane to partner Aly Muldowney in the second row for Saturday's visit of Glasgow Warriors to the Sportsground.
Dillane, who will be called into the senior squad permanently next season, is one of two changes to the pack with Eoin McKeon recalled to the backrow alongside John Muldoon and the in form Eoghan Masterson.
Jack Carty is the only change to the back line and the Buccaneers outhalf is joint in the back division by Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki who link up in the centre for just the fifth time this season.
Tiernan O'Halloran starts at fullback with Darragh Leader on the replacements bench. Among those unavailable or ruled out through injury are Nathan White, Mick Kearney, Quinn Roux, Craig Ronaldson, Dave McSharry and Mils Muliaina.
Head coach Pat Lam says that “with who we are up against and what is on the line” this could be the team’s toughest game of the season.
“ We understand the massive importance of tomorrow but we have prepared like we would every game. It’s up to us to go out and perform as a team.
“Glasgow are the league leaders for a reason. They are a well-coached side with huge depth in their squad of internationals and they are the number one offloading team who can score plenty of tries. So defensively, we will have to be spot on.
“It’s a huge challenge but we’re really excited by it and the fact that we’re at home makes it even more special. The Connacht support has been huge all year. They have carried us home in these big games before and with so much riding on the game, it’s great to know that they’ll be behind us again tomorrow.”
Meanwhile Glasgow have recalled fullback Stuart Hogg and secondrow Jonny Gray to their starting line-up.
Connacht: Tiernan O'Halloran; Danie Poolman, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You; Ultan Dillane, Aly Muldowney; John Muldoon, Eoghan Masterson, Eoin McKeon.
Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Ronan Loughney, Finlay Bealham, Andrew Browne, George Naoupu, John Cooney, Miah Nikora, Darragh Leader.
Glasgow: Stuart Hogg; Tommy Seymour, Richie Vernon, Peter Horne, Niko Matawalu; Finn Russell, Henry Pyrgos; Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Fraser Brown, Euan Murray; Leone Nakarawa, Jonny Gray; Rob Harley, Chris Fusaro, Adam Ashe.
Replacements: Kevin Bryce, Ryan Grant, Jon Welsh, Tim Swinson, Josh Strauss, Duncan Weir, Peter Murchie, Lee Jones.
