Being thrown in at the deep end is one thing, but being thrown into the -22 degree temperatures of Siberia for your debut is another.

That's what 21-year-old Academy centre Peter Robb faces tomorrow when he makes his Connacht debut in their Challenge Cup tie with Enisei-STM, starting in a midfield partnership with Bundee Aki.

USA international outhalf AJ MacGinty starts for the first time with Ian Porter making up the half back pairing.

Up front, John Muldoon captains the side from a backrow featuring George Naoupu and Academy flanker James Connolly who makes his season debut, having played in three European games last season.

From the replacements bench, Academy forward and Galway-born Sean O’Brien is in line to earn his first Connacht cap while it will be a season debut for Danny Qualter and Caolin Blade should they be called upon.

Speaking ahead of the tie in the freezing Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Connacht coach Pat Lam said: “We said from the start that this was going to be a massive mental challenge for everybody involved but I must say that the boys have handled the challenges thrown at them really well so far. We have adjusted to the environment as best we can in three days and have done all the necessary preparation ahead of tomorrow’s game.

“We talked a lot about the weather but I think we underestimated how cold it actually would be. It was a shock to all of us. Tomorrow it could hit as low as -22 degrees, so again it’s another test of our mental toughness.

“This is a big test for the guys selected tomorrow but if we nail our detail and have the right mindset, we will put pressure on a side that will be hugely motivated in their first European game.

“We appreciate how important it was for Enisei to have a game in their home city. It’s an historical game as the team located furthest west meets the team furthest east and we’re proud and excited to be a part of it.

“It’s been a fascinating few days, and a lot of hard work has gone into getting us here. Now, it’s all about fronting up tomorrow.”

CONNACHT: Darragh Leader, Rory Parata, Bundee Aki, Peter Robb, Niyi Adeolokun, AJ MacGinty, Ian Porter; Denis Buckley, Shane Delahunt, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Aly Muldowney, John Muldoon, James Connolly, George Naoupu.

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Ronan Loughney, Conan O’Donnell, Danny Qualter, Sean O’Brien, Caolin Blade, Jack Carty, Craig Ronaldson.