Connacht make five changes for Pau
Connacht have made five changes for Saturday¹s Parker Pen European Challenge Cup second leg tie away to Pau (kick-off 7pm French time, 6 pm Irish).
Team manager John Fallon said they were continuing the rotation policy which has served them so well this season, as they bid to nail down a quarter-final spot for the second year running.
Connacht take a 29-7 lead into the second leg but they expect a backlash from Pau.
"Pau have a record of turning around first leg deficits, we knew that before we played them last week. Their most notable one was last year when they lost 29-3 at Ebbw Vale and then proceeded to put 64 points on them in France," said Fallon.
"Pau have a 100% record at home this season and should have the likes of Imanol Hardinorduquy, Damien Traille and Garrick Morgan back for this one. Everything indicates they will be fired up to have a right cut at us."
Three of the changes are in the backline. Mark McHugh, forced to cry off on Friday, returns and is selected at full-back.
Ted Robinson starts on the left-wing and Eric Elwood returns to partner Mike Walls at half-back. Up front, Damien Browne comes into the second row with Matt Lacey selected at openside wing forward.
Paul Neville and Peter Bracken are among a number of players out through injury, while winger Wayne Munn was not considered for selection as his wife Julie is due to give birth to the couple¹s second child.
The winners of Saturday¹s tie will play either Narbonne or London Irish in the quarter-finals. London Irish take a 20-13 lead to Narbonne for Saturday evening's game.
Connacht (v Pau): M. McHugh; M. Mostyn, D. Yapp, T. Allnutt (capt.), T. Robinson; E. Elwood, M. Walls; D. McFarland, B. Jackman, A. Clarke; D. Browne, A. Farley; M. Swift, M. Lacey, J. O'Sullivan.
Replacements: J. Fogarty, W. O'Kelly, M. McCarthy, T. Carter, C. Keane, D. Hewitt, C. McPhillips.
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