Connacht team to face Munster in Thomond Park

Following Connacht's excellent display against Gloucester in the Heineken Cup last weekend Head Coach Eric Elwood has chosen not to tinker with the side too much, making just one enforced change. Fetu'u Vainikolo replaces Mark McCrea on the wing. McCrea was forced to retire from last weekend's clash with a strained hamstring giving the Tongan International winger a berth in the starting XV.

Connacht know that Thomond Park has not been a happy hunting ground for the team in recent years but following spirited back to back displays against Aviva Premiership giants Gloucester the squad know that if they continue this rich vein of form that elusive win is just around the corner.

Connacht's hugely experienced pack will scrum down with no fewer than 747 caps for the Province between them while the dynamic young backline will be marshalled by captain Gavin Duffy from fullback.

Connacht XV to face Munster in Thomond Park (St Stephens Day kick off 19.45)
15 Gavin Duffy (C)
14 Fetu'u Vainikolo
13 Eoin Griffin
12 Dave McSharry
11 Tiernan O'Halloran
10 Niall O'Connor
09 Frank Murphy
01 Brett Wilkinson
02 Ethienne Reynecke
03 Ronan Loughney
04 George Naoupu
05 Mike McCarthy
06 Dave Gannon
07 Johnny O'Connor
08 John Muldoon

16 Adrian Flavin
17 Dylan Rogers
18 Rodney Ah You
19 Mick Kearney
20 Eoin McKeon
21 Paul O'Donohoe
22 Matthew Jarvis
23 Kyle Tonetti