Connacht target bonus point victory

CONNACHT will be expected to open their 14th European campaign this evening with a victory over unknown visitors Olympus Rugby XV Madrid to the Sportsground

Taking the place of last season’s Spanish champions CRC Madrid, this invitational side, comprising the best players of the Spanish club championship, have been pooled alongside Connacht, pool favourites Worcester, and Montpellier.

Connacht coach Michael Bradley will need his squad, after an inconsistent Magners League start, to make a statement tonight. Bradley has tinkered with the side that lost last week to the Dragons, and the return of centre Niva Ta’auso should be a big boost to the three-quarter line, which shows four changes. Of significance is the selection of former Irish schools player Tiernan O’Halloran on the right wing in his first competitive start, while Fionn Carr is recalled to the left wing with Aidan Wynne also starting, alongside Ta’auso. Miah Nikora and Conor O’Loughlin continue at half-back, with Ian Keatley and Frank Murphy continuing on the bench.