Connacht have named their side for the opening Magners League clash with the Newport-Gwent Dragons on Saturday.
Frank Murphy will skipper the side from scrum-half, with Irish Internationals Sean Cronin and Gavin Duffy making a return after touring with the national squad during the summer. New signing Ezra Taylor is included at number eight, while Cillian Willis and Rob Sweeney will look to make a big impact from the bench.
Speaking during the week about the clash, Head Coach Eric Elwood said that, although Connacht have a good record against the Dragons in the Sportsground (Connacht have won four out of the last five home games against them), neither team has a run of form as it’s the first match, so nothing was being taken for granted.
Kick off at the Sportsground is on Saturday at 5.30pm.
Connacht team to face Newport Gwent Dragons:
Gavin Duffy; Troy Nathan, Niva Taauso, Keith Matthews, Fionn Carr; Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy (Captain); Brett Wilkinson, Sean Cronin, Jamie Hagan; Michael Swift, Bernie Upton; Michael McCarthy, Ray Ofisa, Ezra Taylor.
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