British & Irish Lion Bundee Aki will make his first appearance for Connacht Rugby since the summer tour of South Africa tomorrow night.
He comes straight into the starting XV for the URC interpro derby with Munster Rugby at Thomond Park (k/o 7.35pm), and his inclusion is one of five changes from last week’s side that faced the Dragons.
Aki forms a new-look partnership with Sammy Arnold at centre, while John Porch is drafted into the back three alongside fellow winger Mack Hansen and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran. Caolin Blade and Jack Carty are retained, with Carty named as captain for the game.
The front-row of Matthew Burke, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham is unchanged, while Niall Murray comes into the second row alongside Ultan Dillane. The final switch sees Conor Oliver start at openside flanker, with Cian Prendergast on the opposite flank and Paul Boyle at number 8.
The Connacht management team have opted for a 6:2 split on the bench, with back rowers Abraham Papali’i and Jarrad Butler both included as well as Kieran Marmion. Summer arrival Greg McGrath is also in line for his Connacht debut after he was named as replacement loosehead prop.
