Connacht make nine changes for Borders tie

The Connacht team to play Scottish Borders in the opening round of the Celtic Cup at Galashiels on Friday night (7.35pm) shows nine changes from the team that went down to Cardiff at the Arms Park on Saturday.

Coach Michael Bradley says that Connacht have a well-balanced squad this season and that having started with the same 15 for the opening two games of the Celtic League, he wanted to try a different formation this time round.

"One of our ambitions this season is to bring silverware back to Connacht for the first time and there is no doubt the Celtic Cup gives us a very good opportunity to do that.

"We have a strong squad with competition for every place in the side. That is the way it should be with every good side and on Friday night some players will be getting their first chance to impress in a competitive game for Connacht.

"The concept of a Celtic Cup is very good as it is a break from a lengthy league campaign. It is a do-or-die scenario and that should lead to a very exciting game on Friday night," he said.

Four of the changes are in the backline with David Hewitt starting at full-back.

Matt Mostyn, back from injury, will play his first game since returning to Connacht on the right-wing, while Ted Robinson is selected on the other wing.

Conor O'Loughlin comes into the side at scrum-half.

Connacht, who did not suffer any injury problems in the defeat by Cardiff, have five changes up front.

John Fogarty takes over as hooker with Fabian Boiroux chosen at tighthead. Mike McCarthy makes his first start for Connacht in the second row where he will partner Andrew Farley.

Paul Neville comes into the backrow at openside with Mick Carroll selected at No 8.

Connacht were victorious over The Borders on the opening night of the Celtic League last season when a dramatic late drop goal from Mark McHugh sealed victory.

Connacht (v Scottish Borders): David Hewitt; Matt Mostyn, Darren Yapp, Tim Allnutt (captain), Ted Robinson; Eric Elwood, Conor O’Loughlin; Warren O’Kelly, John Fogarty, Fabian Boiroux; Mike McCarthy, Andrew Farley; Paul Neville, John O’Sullivan, Mick Carroll.

Replacements: Marnus Uijs, Ray Hogan, Michael Swift, Tom Carter, Michael Walls, Shane Moore, Mark McHugh.