Connacht Make Six Changes

Michael Bradley has made six changes to his Connacht side ahead of their Magners League clash with the Scarlets at Stradey Park on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.30pm, Setanta Sports Ireland).

In the back-line, Troy Nathan comes into the side at full-back, Kieran Campbell gets his first competitive start for the province at scrum half and Aidan Wynne starts on the left wing.

In the forwards, Adrian Flavin gets his first start of the season at hooker and he is partnered on the tighthead side by Ronan Loughney, while Michael Swift has been promoted to the second row.

Team captain John Muldoon reverts back to number 8 with Mike McCarthy moving to blindside flanker.

Connacht coach Michael Bradley is wary of the sense of occasion with it being the Scarlets’ last ever Magners League match at Stradey Park but is confident his side will cope well with the added pressure.

“It’ll be the last time that Connacht will play at Stradey Park. We’ve enjoyed the atmosphere there and there’s a lot of tradition attached to the ground and I think the lads in the past have raised their game,” he said.

“We”ve had some very good results there in the past few years and last year I think this fixture went to both home sides. It’ll be a good challenge for us, they’ve a few good new signings and they would’ve been disappointed with their season last year.

“They’ve a strong start this year and they’d be obviously looking to have a good day against us on Saturday but we’re well used to that sort of pressure.

“Connacht have always responded well to the atmosphere and the venue and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The players not considered due to injury are Tim Donnelly (shoulder), John Hearty (groin), Robbie Morris (arm), Johnny O’Connor (arm), Conor O’Loughlin (hip), Danny Riordan (hamstring) and summer signing Michael Roberts (calf).

CONNACHT (v Scarlets): Troy Nathan; Fionn Carr, Gavin Duffy, Keith Matthews, Aidan Wynne; Ian Keatley, Kieran Campbell; Brett Wilkinson, Adrian Flavin, Ronan Loughney, Michael Swift, Andrew Farley, Mike McCarthy, Ray Ofisa, John Muldoon (capt).

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Brian McGovern, Andrew Browne, Colm Rigney, Frank Murphy, Mel Deane, Liam Bibo.