Connacht team to face Dragons

On his return from injury, Craig Ronaldson has been named to start at inside centre while Dave McSharry moves outside him and Danie Poolman switches out to the wing.

In the absence of Kieran Marmion, scrum half John Cooney will partner Jack Carty at half back.

There is just one change to the pack with George Naoupu making way for Eoghan Masterson at number 8 for the 21-year-old's first start of the season.

Changes to the bench include the incoming Shane Delahunt, Finlay Bealham and Mick Kearney.

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

"Despite last week's defeat to Scarlets, we remain in sixth place and a top six finish is still in our hands. However, we no longer have that safety net and the outcome of tomorrow's game is important for both sides.

"The Dragons' side will be brimming with confidence on their home patch after a big win last week and we know the challenge we face.

"The guys worked extremely hard in what was a tough week's training but that work needs to be reflected in 80 minutes of team work on the field on Sunday."

Connacht team to face Newport Gwent Dragons
15. Darragh Leader
14. Danie Poolman
13. Dave McSharry
12. Craig Ronaldson
11. Matt Healy
10. Jack Carty
9. John Cooney

1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney
3. Nathan White
4. Quinn Roux
5. Aly Muldowney
6. John Muldoon (captain)
7. Jake Heenan
8. Eoghan Masterson

Replacements:
16. Shane Delahunt
17. Rodney Ah You
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Mick Kearney
20. George Naoupu
21. Ian Porter
22. Niyi Adeolokun
23. Tiernan O'Halloran

Unavailable/Injured: Jason Harris-Wright, Sean Henry, Michael Swift, Willie Faloon, Eoin McKeon, Kieran Marmion, Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Mils Muliaina.

DRAGONS v CONNACHT
At Rodney Parade, 4pm
Live on S4C; Deferred highlights on TG4
Listen to Galway Bay FM

Referee: Lloyd Linton (SRU, 6th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Rhys Thomas, Sean Brickell (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Ray Wilton (WRU)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)