Connacht shuffle the deck

CONNACHT are expecting perfect weather conditions to play some expansive rugby against newcomers I Cavalieri Estra in their opening European match in Italy this afternoon (2pm Irish time).

Now in their 14th season of the Amlin Challenge Cup, Connacht will be favourites to open their European campaign with a victory against a side making its debut in the competition.

As a result, coach Eric Elwood has opted to use this weekend’s fixture in Prato to rest some of his players. Gavin Duffy, Keith Matthews, Jamie Hagan and Ray Ofisa remain at home, while Mike McCarthy and Frank Murphy are on the bench.