Bradley changes 12 for Quins visit
Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:57
Connacht Director of Rugby Michael Bradley has made 12 changes to his side and one positional switch for their pre-season clash with Harlequins at the Sportsground on Saturday.
Connacht's international contingent return to action, having played in the June internationals and Churchill Cup, which means recalls for Gavin Duffy, Johnny O'Connor, Keith Matthews, Sean Cronin and Ian Keatley.
Cronin and Keatley will also be playing their first games for the province, while Liam Bibo and Frank Murphy will be starting for the first time.
John Muldoon captains the side for the first time, having overcome a bout of flu which forced his late withdrawal prior to last week's friendly with Leeds Carnegie.
The experienced Michael Swift starts for the first time since injuring a kidney against Leinster in February.
Robbie Morris and Brett Wilkinson start in a new front row and there is also an all new look
halfback partnership with Ian Keatley (No.10) and Frank Murphy (scrumhalf) starting together for the first time.
John Hearty moves from outside centre to the left wing and Mel Deane starts at inside centre.
Connacht: 15 Gavin Duffy, , 14 Liam Bibo, 13 Mel Deane, 12 Keith Matthews, 11 John Hearty, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Frank Murphy, 8 Colm Rigney, 7 John O'Connor, 6 Conor Muldoon (captain), 5 Andrew Farley, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Robbie Morris, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Brett Wilkinson.
Replacements - from: Andrew Browne, Kieran Campbell, Andy Dunne, Adrian Flavin, Ronan Loughney, John Lyne, Michael McCarthy, Brian McGovern, John Muldoon, Troy Nathan, Aidan Wynne.
Date: Saturday, August 16
Venue: Sportsground, Galway
Kick-off: 18.30 (17.30 GMT)
