Rugby

New signing Pita Ahki in Connacht starting XV for Zebre clash

The Connacht side features a new halfback pairing with Steve Crosbie starting at 10

Pita Ahki and Finlay Bealham are both in the Connacht team for the trip to Italy. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Fri Dec 1 2017 - 14:01

Connacht head coach Kieran Keane has included new signing Pita Ahki in his starting XV to face Zebre on Saturday.

Ahki who came off the bench to make his debut against Cardiff last week, will make his first start for the province as they travel to Italy for the Pro14 clash.

The Connacht side features a new halfback pairing with Steve Crosbie starting at outhalf and Kieran Marmion back at scrumhalf following his return from international duty. In the pack Shane Delahunt, who scored two tries against Cardiff starts at hooker where he is flanked by Denis Buckley at loosehead and Finlay Bealham at tighthead.

Academy player and Sligo native Cillian Gallagher, who made his debut against Worcester in October, is named among the replacements. Ahead of the clash, Connacht head coach Kieran Keane, spoke about the importance of getting a result against the Italians: “While we were disappointed not to beat Cardiff last week, I was proud of the boys and the way they battled to take two points from the game. In this competition it is really important to do well against teams in our conference.

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“We will face a big challenge against Zebre on Saturday. They have made it difficult against a lot of teams so far this season particularly when they are at home. We will need to be at our best to beat them.”

CONNACHT: Tiernan O'Halloran; Cian Kelleher, Pita Ahki, Tom Farrell, Matt Healy; Steve Crosbie, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Shane Delahunt, Finlay Bealham; Ultan Dillane, James Cannon; Eoghan Masterson, James Connolly, John Muldoon (Capt).

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Peter McCabe, Conor Carey, Cillian Gallagher, Naulia Dawai, James Mitchell, Jack Carty, Eoin Griffin.

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