Elwood, O'Loughlin to start for Connacht

Halfbacks Eric Elwood and Conor O'Loughlin will make their first starts of the season as Connacht welcome The Borders to The Sportsground on Saturday.

Elwood's promotion means Paul Warwick will move to the centre where he will partner the fit again James Downey.

Hooker John Fogarty will deputise for the injured Bernard Jackman, while Mark McHugh, Matt Mostyn, Tom Tierney, Michael Swift, Michael Carroll and Darren Yapp were all not considered due to injury.

Saturday's game will mark Connacht Rugby Ladies Day with all ladies attending being admitted for free to all areas of the ground.

CONNACHT (v The Borders): D Slemen; N O Brien, P Warwick, J Downey, C McPhillips; E Elwood, C O'Loughlin; D McFarland, J Fogarty, P Bracken, P Myburgh, A Farley, P Neville, M Lacey, J O'Sullivan.

Replacements: H Bourke, A Clarke, C Short, J Muldoon, M Walls, T Robinson, J Meagher.