Pita Ahki takes centre stage for Connacht in Italy

Connacht coach Kieran Keane says a resurgent Zebre will pose a huge threat in Parma this afternoon as his side aim to bounce back to winning ways before refocusing next week to the European Challenge Cup campaign.

Keane has made seven changes to the side that lost 36-30 at Cardiff Blues, with new signing Pita Ahki starting in the centre, having impressed off the bench in his debut at the Arms Park.

Irish internationals, scrum-half Kieran Marmion and lock Ultan Dillane, also return to first-team action at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. Connacht fell to a first league defeat away to Zebre last term (25-22), and Keane knows this could be another tricky assignment.