Marmion And Ah You Return For Connacht

Bolstered by the return of Ireland internationals Kieran Marmion and Rodney Ah You, Connacht head coach Pat Lam has named a strong squad for the GUINNESS PRO12 clash with the Scarlets on Saturday (kick-off 7.30pm).

Robbie Henshaw is a late withdrawal having failed to fully recover from a minor hip flexor injury picked up in last week’s Ireland v Australia Test.

Having played in every game this season, Jack Carty, a try scorer against Zebre in round 8, has been handed the reins at out-half.

Along with Rodney Ah You coming in, there are three more changes to the pack. Hooker Tom McCartney, who earned his first Connacht cap from the bench against the Italians, has been handed his first start in the absence of the injured Jason Harris-Wright.

The Galway-born duo of Andrew Browne and Eoin McKeon have also been promoted from the bench for the Saturday night showdown at the Sportsground.

Commenting on the team selection and the province’s round 9 opponents, head coach Pat Lam said: “It’s great to bring back the experience of Kieran and Rodney for what is undoubtedly a big game for us. It’s unfortunate that Robbie wasn’t fully ready to come back in but it’s important that he is given the time to recover ahead of a very busy and crucial block of game for us.

“We were all very disappointed for Jason Harris-Wright this week but we’re thankful to have the experience of Tom McCartney to step in for his first start in a slightly changed pack.

“The Scarlets are a well-coached side with huge squad depth and it’s been over three years since we beat them.

“Their win last week over an in-form Glasgow Warriors highlights the big challenge we face on Saturday. But with both teams vying to climb the table, it is set up for a great evening at a lively Sportsground.”

CONNACHT (v Scarlets): Mils Muliaina; Danie Poolman, Bundee Aki, Dave McSharry, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You, Quinn Roux, Andrew Browne, John Muldoon (capt), Eoin McKeon, George Naoupu.

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Ronan Loughney, Finlay Bealham, Mick Kearney, Willie Faloon, John Cooney, Craig Ronaldson, Darragh Leader.