Pool one of the Challenge cup previewed
Connacht v Cavalieri Prato
Tonight, Sportsground 6pm
ERIC ELWOOD makes a number of changes to the Connacht side that defeated Bayonne last weekend. Bernie Upton makes way in the secondrow for Michael Swift, who partners new Ireland squad pick Mike McCarthy, writes Johnny Watterson.
In the backrow, flanker Johnny O’Connor is replaced by Shane Conneely, who makes his first competitive start for the province on the openside.
Conneely, only in his second year in the Connacht Academy, made enough of an impact last week in France when he replaced O’Connor for Elwood to give him the jersey.
Good news for Elwood and Declan Kidney is Gavin Duffy has recovered from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined for a month. His return to fullback releases Fionn Carr back on to the wing.
Keith Matthews returns to captain Connacht at inside centre, and beside him, on the outside, Niva Ta’auso comes in for the rested Eoin Griffin.
CONNACHT: G Duffy; F Carr, N Ta’auso, K Matthews (capt), B Tuohy; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, J Hagan, M Swift, M McCarthy, A Browne, S Connelly, M McComish. Replacements: A Flavin, R Loughney, R Ah You, B Upton, R Ofisa, C Willis, M Nikora, S Monahan.
I CAVALIERI ESTRA: B Ngwaini; W Mafi, C Von Grumbkov, S Rodwell, N Tempestini; A Chiesa, S Canale; L Poloni, L Giovanchelli (capt), G Bocca, L Beccaris, F Cazzola, L Petillo, F Cristiano, N Soqueta. Replacements: A Neri, A Goti, D Stefani, N Belardo, L Villagra, M Murgier, R Wakarua, G Marino.
Referee: Laurent Cardona (France).
