A bonus point win would put Connacht in a tie with third placed Munster
Pat Lam has named four internationals in his starting line-up, has another on the bench and, in John Cooney, a European Cup-winning scrum-half in reserve. Connacht are chasing their 11th win of an already impressive season and welcome Edinburgh to Galway on Friday.
The backline that featured in the festive victory over Munster has seen one alteration – Miah Nikora (hero of Bayonne) comes in for Craig Ronaldson. The front eight remains the exact same from that 24-16 victory against Anthony Foley’s men.
Lam says, ‘While there was a lot of excitement around last week’s result, at the end of the day it was four points gained and we need another four points this week. Looking at it, we don’t believe it’s a case of ‘backing up’ the Munster win, but rather a case of being even better again in our performance this week.’
Edinburgh, buoyed by their recent win over Glasgow, include eight Scottish internationals in their starting XV, including Ross Ford and Tim Visser. Former Ulster prop John Andress starts on the bench.
CONNACHT XV: Mils Muliaina; Darragh Leader, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Danie Poolman; Miah Nikora, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You; Quinn Roux, Aly Muldowney; John Muldoon (c), Willie Faloon, Eoin McKeon.
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Ronan Loughney, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, George Naoupu, John Cooney, Jack Carty, Dave McSharry.
