Connacht team to face Dragons

Head Coach Pat Lam has made two changes to the team that lined out in last week's European Cup clash with Toulouse.

Mayo-man Gavin Duffy starts on the right wing for his 170th Connacht appearance. The remainder of the back line remains unchanged for the return to PRO12 action.

Nathan White, who missed last week's game due to illness, represents the only change to the pack.

Craig Clarke will captain the side tomorrow, partnered by Mick Kearney in the second row.

On the bench, 22-year-old Dave Heffernan has been called in as replacement hooker for the unavailable Sean Henry. Academy out half and Eagles captain Jack Carty has also been called up.

Commenting on the team selection and the upcoming game, Head Coach Pat Lam said:

"We had a shorter week in terms of training sessions this week as we had to give the players a day off on Monday to shake off the flu virus. We also had to plan without Craig (Ronaldson), Sean (Henry) and Frank (Murphy) who we lost to injury last week.

"With the forecasted weather conditions, back three coverage for kicks is crucial so it's great to bring back the experience and voice of Gavin Duffy.

"Dragons are an improved side this year. They're seventh in the table and it will be another tough challenge this week. We know that we need to put them under pressure right from the kick off. If we bring the heart, that was so evident in our Toulouse games, to our roles in the game plan it will give us a great opportunity to achieve the outcome we all want."

Connacht lineup v Dragons
15. Robbie Henshaw
14. Gavin Duffy
13. Eoin Griffin
12. Dave McSharry
11. Matt Healy
10. Dan Parks
9. Kieran Marmion

1. Brett Wilkinson
2. Jason Harris-Wright
3. Nathan White
4. Mick Kearney
5. Craig Clarke (captain)
6. John Muldoon
7. Jake Heenan
8. Eoin McKeon

Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. Denis Buckley
18. Rodney Ah You
19. Andrew Browne
20. George Naoupu
21. Paul O'Donohoe
22. Jack Carty
23. Fionn Carr

Unavailable/Injured: Sean Henry, Michael Swift, Ronan Loughney, Willie Faloon, Mata Fifita, Frank Murphy, Craig Ronaldson, Danie Poolman, Tiernan O'Halloran, Miah Nikora, and Kyle Tonetti.

Connacht v Dragons
Saturday, December 21st 2013
Kick off 5pm
Referee: Alain Rolland
Assistant Referees: Gary Conway & Kieran Barry
Citing Commissioner: Eddie Walsh