Connacht team to face Edinburgh

Following his start in last week's Eagles game, Dave McSharry makes a welcome PRO12 return to partner Eoin Griffin in the centre. His appearance allows Craig Ronaldson to shift to outhalf where he forms the half back pairing with Kieran Marmion.

Galway-born Tiernan O'Halloran has been named to start on the left wing and features in an all-Irish qualified back line.

Up front, Connacht's highest capped player Michael Swift is brought into the second row. His introduction means that Andrew Browne moves back to openside flanker.

Number 8 John Muldoon will captain the side at the Sportsground tomorrow.

Speaking about the team selection and the upcoming game, Head Coach Pat Lam said:

"It's a great boost to have Dave (McSharry) back from injury. He came through the Eagles game last week and his experience will be valuable against Edinburgh this weekend.

"Tiernan (O'Halloran) is a player who has worked hard to earn his place in the team. He went away to work on certain aspects of his game over the last few weeks and it was clear from his performance with the Eagles that he deserves this start.

"With such a physical game expected against a team like Edinburgh, it's good to be able to call on Swifty for his experience and grunt up front.

"It was a short week and we had to put the disappointment of Glasgow quickly behind us. It was another opportunity missed, we know that. But it's fantastic to be back on our home pitch this weekend. We haven't had a game in front of our home fans in five weeks. The team are very much aware of what we have to do for Connacht Rugby and its supporters tomorrow."

Connacht Rugby will take on Edinburgh at the Sportsground this Saturday, February 15th, kick off 5pm.

The round 14 fixture is not on TV so the only way to get in on the action is to get down to the Galway stadium. Tickets start at just €20 for adults and its €5 for all juniors. Click here to purchase tickets online.

Tickets can also be purchased from the Connacht Rugby office and from Centra and SuperValu stores province-wide.

Connacht v Edinburgh
At The Sportsground, 5pm.
Referee: Claudio Blessano (FIR, 5th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Olly Hodges, Mark Connolly (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Wayne Sheridan (IRFU)

Connacht line-up v Edinburgh
15. Robbie Henshaw
14. Fionn Carr
13. Eoin Griffin
12. Dave McSharry
11. Tiernan O'Halloran
10. Craig Ronaldson
9. Kieran Marmion

1. Denis Buckley
2. Jason Harris-Wright
3. Rodney Ah You
4. Mick Kearney
5. Michael Swift
6. Andrew Browne
7. Jake Heenan
8. John Muldoon (captain)

Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. Ronan Loughney
18. JP Cooney
19. Aly Muldowney
20. George Naoupu
21. Paul O'Donohoe
22. Dan Parks
23. Darragh Leader

Unavailable/Injured: Brett Wilkinson, Nathan White, Sean Henry, Craig Clarke, Dave Nolan, Willie Faloon, Eoin McKeon, Aaron Conneely, Matt Healy, Gavin Duffy, and Kyle Tonetti