Wilkins makes eight changes for Connacht trip to Lyon

On-loan scrum-half Michael McDonald will make his first start having made his debut off the bench last month against Bordeaux-Bégles.

MUST WIN: Tom Daly returns to the Connacht starting XV joining Tom Farrell in centre field. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Connacht coach Pete Wilkins is hopeful they can rescue their faltering Champions Cup hopes despite heading to France without any of their three World cup players.

Mack Hansen underwent surgery on Monday and is out for three to four months, while Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham are not included in the squad for the trip to Lyon.