Nathan to make first start for Connacht

Kiwi Troy Nathan will make his first start for Connacht against Newport Gwent Dragons in the Magner's League at Rodney Parade on Friday (kick off: 7.10pm).

Nathan has made two cameos from the bench. He is now given a chance to shine in place of Andy Dunne as the only change from the side that fought so valiantly against Ulster.

They still hold a mathematical possibility of overtaking Ulster, although the chances have dwindled with the loss at Ravenhill last Friday.

CONNACHT (v The Dragons): G Duffy; M Mostyn, M Deane, K Matthews, D Riordan; T Nathan, C McPhillips; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Morris; D Gannon, A Farley (Capt); J Muldoon, J O'Connor, C Rigney.

Replacements: J Fogarty, R Loughney, A Browne, L Casserly, R Shaw, A Dunne, D Yapp.