Connacht hope for points in Glasgow

Both teams are missing players with Glasgow giving up 10 of their side to Scotland

Robbie Henshaw (right) starts for Connacht against Glasgow after being released from the Ireland’s Six Nations camp. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Pat Lam faces Gregor Townsend with four of his front-line forwards missing this week.

Craig Clarke. Nathan White, Sean Henry and Brett Wilkinson are all out for Connacht’s visit to Scotstoun.

Craig Ronaldson returns from injury to partner Galway-born Eoin Griffin in the centre, while Ireland international Robbie Henshaw has been released back to his province to start at fullback rather than outside centre in place of the injured Gavin Duffy.

Missing 10
It's a tough place to visit, although Glasgow will be missing 10 players who make up the bulk of the starting Scotland team.

As a result Townsend has handed first starts to wingers Lee Jones and Rory Hughes.

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Jones arrived this week on loan until the end of the season, having been released to the club from Scotland Sevens duty in New Zealand.

Ruaridh Jackson has also been released from the Scotland squad and starts at outhalf, with Henry Pyrgos wearing the nine jersey.

“Playing Glasgow is a huge test for us,” said Lam. “They are a very direct side with one of the best defensive structures in the entire league. Connacht have never won at Scotstoun and this is something we want to change.”

This is as good as it gets for Connacht to cause an upset.