There are few surprises in Pat Lam’s Connacht squad for this evening’s Guinness Pro 12 opener at the Galway Sportsground (7.30pm).

GUINNESS PRO12:

GUINNESS PRO12:

Dragons 8 Connacht 24

RABO DIRECT PRO12:

Ulster 38 Newport-Gwent Dragons 8

Connacht 14 Newport Gwent Dragons 11

RABODIRECTPRO12:

Ireland captain Paul O’Connell makes his return to Munster colours ahead of schedule tonight having been cleared by the IRFU to face Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade.

Leinster will finally get to road test their expensive new flyer tonight when Zane Kirchner makes his first start for the province before checking out again for duty with South Africa.

RABO DIRECT PRO12:

Munster coach Rob Penney has resisted the temptation to field his strongest side in response to last week’s second half meltdown at Treviso for this evening’s Rabo Direct clash with the Newport Gwent Dragons.

RABODIRECT PRO12

RABODIRECT PRO12

RABODIRECT PRO12: Ulster 31 Dragons 5