Connacht have made just one change from the side that beat Munster on new Year’s Day for Friday night’s Guinness Pro12 clash against Edinburgh at the Sportsground.
Coach Pat Lam will be looking for his side to copper-fasten their top six place ahead of the month-long break in the competition. A straight win over Edinburgh would put them eight points clear of seventh-placed Scarlets if Glasgow can keep up their unbeaten home run at Scotstoun when they take on the Welsh side on Friday.
The only change to the side that beat Munster 24-16 at the Sportsground sees Miah Nikora come in at outhalf for Craig Ronaldson after he suffered a concussion in scoring a try in that game. Jack Carty will provide cover on the bench.
“While there was a lot of excitement around last week’s result, at the end of the day it was four points gained and we need another four points this week,” said Lam. “Looking at it, we don’t believe it’s a case of ‘backing up’ the Munster win, but rather a case of being even better again in our performance this week.”
CONNACHT (v Edinburgh, Sportsground, Friday, 7.35pm): Mils Muliaina; Darragh Leader, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Danie Poolman; Miah Nikora, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You; Quinn Roux, Aly Muldowney; John Muldoon (capt), Willie Faloon, Eoin McKeon.
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Ronan Loughney, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, George Naoupu, John Cooney, Jack Carty, Dave McSharry
