Prop Carey To Make Connacht Debut
Connacht head coach Pat Lam has made two changes to the starting team ahead of Friday’s GUINNESS PRO12 round 5 game against Edinburgh at the Sportsground (kick-off 7.35pm).
Peter Robb returns to the starting line-up to partner Bundee Aki in midfield, as part of an otherwise unchanged back-line.
In the pack, 25-year-old Conor Carey makes his Connacht debut at tighthead prop, combining with Denis Buckley and hooker Tom McCartney.
Commenting on the round 5 clash with the Scottish side, Pat Lam said: “We’re back at the Sportsground tomorrow and really looking forward to the challenge.
“We are under no illusions as to the threat that Edinburgh pose, and the physicality they will bring to the contest. We are determined to continue improving in our game as we look to earn the points that are available.”
Currently on the province’s injured/unavailable list are Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Ivan Soroka, Saba Meunargia, Ben Marshall, Andrew Browne, Nepia Fox-Matamua, Sean O’Brien, Eoghan Masterson, John Cooney, Craig Ronaldson, Marnitz Boshoff, Rory Parata, Eoin Griffin, Josh Rowland, Darragh Leader and Ciaran Gaffney.
CONNACHT (v Edinburgh): Tiernan O’Halloran; Niyi Adeolokun, Bundee Aki, Peter Robb, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Conor Carey, Quinn Roux, Ultan Dillane, Eoin McKeon, Jake Heenan, John Muldoon (capt).
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Ronan Loughney, Finlay Bealham, Lewis Stevenson, James Connolly, Caolin Blade, Shane O’Leary, Cian Kelleher.