Connacht team to face Benetton Treviso

Galway-born Tiernan O'Halloran, who celebrated his 24th birthday yesterday, will earn his first start of the season, lining out at full back. Niyi Adeolokun is named on the right wing to allow top try scorer Danie Poolman to move in to outside centre while Craig Ronaldson shifts to outhalf.

There are no changes to the pack from the last team named with Nathan White set to start at tighthead after a late withdrawal against Dragons last week. Academy back and last week's try scorer Eoghan Masterson is recalled at Number 8.

Ronan Loughney has returned from injury to take his place on the bench while fellow Galway native Conor Finn has been named amongst the replacement backs.

Commenting on the team selection and upcoming game, head coach Pat Lam said:

"After two good performances off the bench, Tiernan (O'Halloran) certainly deserves his start on Sunday. He brought a lot of intensity when introduced in the last two games and his leadership and communication skills are a big asset in a very young back line. Mils (Muliaina) was close to playing this week but we decided not to take the risk and so Niyi (Adeolokun) gets his opportunity on Sunday.

"Treviso showed last week how dangerous they are with their impressive five-try win over Cardiff Blues. They are always strong up front, but they've shown recently how effective they can be moving the ball out wide. We're going to have to bring it to another level again on Sunday, especially in defence.

"We're sitting in sixth place at the moment but like last week we still don't have a safety net, and we have to continue to perform as a team against Treviso.

"It's been over six weeks since our last home game so everyone is really looking forward to playing in front of our home supporters again at the Sportsground."

Connacht team to face Benetton Treviso

15. Tiernan O'Halloran
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Danie Poolman
12. Dave McSharry
11. Matt Healy
10. Craig Ronaldson
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. Ronan Loughney
18. Rodney Ah You
19. Mick Kearney
20. George Naoupu
21. Ian Porter
22. Jack Carty
23. Conor Finn

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

Connacht v Benetton Treviso
At the Sportsground, 5.15pm
Live on TG4 / Nuvolari
Referee: Andrew McMenemy (SRU, 35th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Mark Connolly, Ken Imbusch (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Eugene Ryan (IRFU)
TMO: Dermot Moloney (IRFU)