Pat Lam makes four changes for Exeter Chiefs visit

Connacht boss Pat Lam has made four changes to the side which were beaten by Edinburgh last Friday for Sunday's Challenge Cup fixture against Exeter.

Dave McSharry, who earlier signed a new two-year deal with the province, will start alongside Robbie Henshaw in the centre in the place of the injured Bundee Aki, who is facing up to 10 weeks out with ankle surgery looming.

Craig Ronaldson starts at 10 with Kieran Marmion starting at scrum half, while Matt Healy comes in on the left wing meaning Danie poolman will start on the right.

There is a solitary change in the pack, with George Naoupu coming in at number eight to join Willie Faloon and skipper John Muldoon in the backrow.

On his team selection, coach Pat Lam said: “With a new challenge this week, we’ve changed up our back line slightly for the visit of Exeter Chiefs. Craig (Ronaldson) did very well for us against Munster and, after coming back from injury, he gets a chance again on Sunday.

“With Bundee (Aki) unfortunately out injured for the next while, it’s great to be able to call on the experience of Dave (McSharry). And with the different conditions expected this week, Matt Healy returns.

“This is a massively important game for us. While we have stated that our main priority is the PRO12, another of our big team goals is to progress in Europe to the knock out stages.”

Connacht: Mils Muliaina, Danie Poolman, Robbie Henshaw, Dave McSharry, Matt Healy, Craig Ronaldson, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You, Quinn Roux, Aly Muldowney, John Muldoon, Willie Faloon, George Naoupu.

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, JP Cooney, Finlay Bealham, Andrew Browne, Eoin McKeon, Caolin Blade, Jack Carty, Darragh Leader.