Bradley bullish ahead of Reds clash

CONNACHT coach Michael Bradley has named a strong squad for Sunday’s Magners League showdown against Munster at the Sportsground (5.05pm).

Bradley has selected an extended 27-man squad as he awaits reports on a number of small injury concerns. The side will be announced this morning.

Connacht will be bidding to repeat their 12-6 win in the corresponding game last year – their first ever win over Munster in the professional era – but Bradley knows they could face a backlash.

“Munster will be going out to right that wrong, as they would see it, but we will be hoping to extend our good run at the Sportsground this season.

“Both of us have big days in Europe to look forward to but Sunday’s game is very important in terms of the Magners League and with both sides having so much to play for it should be a good contest,” said Bradley.

Out-half Miah Nikora, the hero after landing match-winning kicks against Bourgoin and Edinburgh, has been included in the squad.

Winger Liam Bibo and flanker Ray Ofisa remain out through injury, while prop Robbie Morris remains a doubt with a calf injury.

CONNACHT (squad v Munster): Backs: F Carr, G Duffy, E Griffin, I Keately, T Nathan, M Nikora, K Matthews, F Murphy, C O’Loughlin, N Ta’auso, B Tuohy, A Wynne.

Forwards: A Browne, S Cronin, A Flavin, J Hagan, R Loughney, M McCarthy, M McComish, R Morris, J Muldoon, G Naoupu, D Nolan, J O’Connor, M Swift, B Upton, B Wilkinson.