Holley defends selection as Connacht face tough opener

CONNACHT could not have wished for a tougher Magners League opening than the Ospreys when the two sides meet at the Galway Sportsground this evening (7pm).

The two-times Magners League champions, who finished fourth last season, are taking no chances against Michael Bradley’s men with 13 internationals named in their starting line-up, including a competitive Northern Hemisphere debut for former All Black Jerry Collins.

Bradley had been hoping tonight’s fixture would not feature any Lions players, but Osprey head coach Sean Holley has included scrum-half Mike Phillips in the starting XV.