Centre Keith Matthews and flanker Johnny O'Connor return to the Connacht side after injury for their St Stephen’s Day clash against Munster at Thomond Park (7.30pm).
Fullback Gavin Duffy takes over the captaincy from John Muldoon in a side that shows nine changes from last weekend’s victory over Worcester in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
Troy Nathan comes in on the right wing, with Liam Bibo switching to the left in the absence of top try-scorer Fionn Carr, who is rested. Matthews joins Niva Ta'auso in midfield, with Aidan Wynne moving to the bench.
There is a new partnership at halfback with Miah Nikora and Conor O’Loughlin coming in for Ian Keatley and Frank Murphy.
Hooker Adrian Flavin and prop Jamie Hagan come into the frontrow, while Michael Swift joins Bernie Upton at lock.
Former Ireland flanker O’Connor takes over from Ray Ofisa at openside, while Mike McComish replaces Muldoon at number six. New signing George Naoupu remains at number eight.
Connacht:G Duffy (capt); T Nathan, N Ta'auso, K Matthews, L Bibo; M Nikora, C O'Loughlin; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, J Hagan, M Swift, B Upton, M McComish, J O'Connor, G Naoupu. Reps:D Murphy, R Loughney, A Browne, I Keatley, R Ofisa, K Campbell, A Wynne.
