Depleted Connacht can seal Challenge Cup passage

Connacht’s injury plague means Pat Lam’s squad face Newcastle tomorrow with a reduced squad of 22. 

It is a far from ideal scenario for a return visit to Kingston Stadium looking to maintain their unbeaten run in the Euro Challenge Cup pool one.

However, Lam’s options have been restricted with just nine fit backs, just two on the bench, and a much-changed starting line-up. There’s a first start for the versatile Shane O’Leary, who takes over at out-half, with regular Jack Carty named alongside scrum-half Ian Porter on the bench. Craig Ronaldson returns from concussion, joining academy player Peter Robb in a new centre partnership, while Rory Parata moves to the right wing, with Niyi Adeolokun on the left.