McSharry back for Westerners

The Connacht team to face Edinburgh at the Sportsground at 5pm tomorrow has been named.

Head Coach Pat Lam has made three personnel changes to the team that lined out against Scottish opponents Glasgow last weekend.

Following his start in last week's Eagles game, Dave McSharry makes a welcome PRO12 return to partner Eoin Griffin in the centre. His appearance allows Craig Ronaldson to shift to outhalf where he forms the half back pairing with Kieran Marmion.

Galway-born Tiernan O'Halloran has been named to start on the left wing and features in an all-Irish qualified back line.

Up front, Connacht's highest capped player Michael Swift is brought into the second row. His introduction means that Andrew Browne moves back to openside flanker.

Number 8 John Muldoon will captain the side at the Sportsground tomorrow.

Coach Pat Lam said: "It's a great boost to have Dave (McSharry) back from injury. He came through the Eagles game last week and his experience will be valuable against Edinburgh this weekend.

"Tiernan (O'Halloran) is a player who has worked hard to earn his place in the team. He went away to work on certain aspects of his game over the last few weeks and it was clear from his performance with the Eagles that he deserves this start.

"With such a physical game expected against a team like Edinburgh, it's good to be able to call on Swifty for his experience and grunt up front.

"It was a short week and we had to put the disappointment of Glasgow quickly behind us. It was another opportunity missed, we know that. But it's fantastic to be back on our home pitch this weekend. We haven't had a game in front of our home fans in five weeks. The team are very much aware of what we have to do for Connacht Rugby and its supporters tomorrow."

Connacht team: Robbie Henshaw; Fionn Carr; Eoin Griffin; Dave McSharry; Tiernan O'Halloran; Craig Ronaldson; Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley; Jason Harris-Wright; Rodney Ah You; Mick Kearney; Michael Swift; Andrew Browne; Jake Heenan John Muldoon (captain)

Replacements:

16. Dave Heffernan

17. Ronan Loughney

18. JP Cooney

19. Aly Muldowney

20. George Naoupu

21. Paul O'Donohoe

22. Dan Parks

23. Darragh Leader