Connacht team to face Edinburgh

Miah Nikora has been selected at outhalf, replacing Craig Ronaldson who remains sidelined with concussion. The 29-year-old New Zealander, who came on in the second half at the Sportsground last week, will form the half back pairing with Ireland international and this season's top try scorer Kieran Marmion on Friday night at the Sportsground.

Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw are partnered in the centre for the third time this season while Mils Muliaina, Darragh Leader and Danie Poolman make up the back three.

Up front, the pack remains unchanged with John Muldoon leading from the back row alongside Willie Faloon and Galway man Eoin McKeon who makes his 60th appearance for the province tomorrow night.

Connacht-born players Ronan Loughney and Jack Carty are both named amongst the replacements for the visit of the Scottish side.

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

"With the pleasing team performance last week against Munster, we are putting out the same match day squad this week with the exception of Craig (Ronaldson). But after showing his experience from the bench last week, Miah (Nikora) now comes in to start this important game for us.

"Edinburgh, under astute coach Alan Solomons, are a very powerful and direct team who have shown against top teams like Glasgow and Munster away from home what they are capable of. Like last week, we are expecting tough conditions as well as big, physical contact.

"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. 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 team to face Edinburgh
15. Mils Muliaina
14. Darragh Leader
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Danie Poolman
10. Miah Nikora
9. Kieran Marmion

1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney
3. Rodney Ah You
4. Quinn Roux
5. Aly Muldowney
6. John Muldoon (captain)
7. Willie Faloon
8. Eoin McKeon

Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. Ronan Loughney
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Ultan Dillane
20. George Naoupu
21. John Cooney
22. Jack Carty
23. Dave McSharry

Unavailable/Injured: Jason Harris-Wright, Sean Henry, Nathan White, Michael Swift, Mick Kearney, Jake Heenan, Craig Ronaldson, Ian Porter, Tiernan O'Halloran.

Connacht v Edinburgh
Friday January 9th
the Sportsground
Kick off 19:35

Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU, 47th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Andy Brice, Olly Hodges (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Gordon Black (IRFU)
TMO: Dermot Moloney (IRFU)

The Clan and Main Stand for Connacht v Edinburgh are now SOLD OUT. Starting at €20 for Adults, remaining tickets are ON SALE from tickets.ie, from the Connacht Rugby office at the Sportsground in Galway and from Centra & SuperValue stores province-wide.