Elwood names side for Blues tie
Connacht coach Eric Elwood has today announced his side for Friday night’s Magners League match against the Cardiff Blues at the Sportsground, kick-off 7.45pm.
The side remains virtually unchanged from the team that earned a bonus point victory over Edinburgh a fortnight ago.
Connacht Academy star Mark Dolan retains his spot on the bench and is joined by centre Eoin Grifin who is returning after a layoff with a hamstring injury.
The starting line-up remains unchanged with Ronan Loughney and Jamie Hagan linking up with Ireland hooker Sean Cronin in the frontrow.
Bernie Upton partners Mike McCarthy in the secondrow as Michael Swift is still out with a hand injury.
Andrew Browne, Johnny O’Connor and Ray Ofisa continue as the backrow triumvirate.
Frank Murphy and Ian Keatley remain at half-back while Troy Nathan and Niva Ta’auso are joined by Brian Tuohy and Fionn Carr on the wings.
Carr became Connacht’s all-time top try scorer when he scored twice against Edinburgh, overtaking Conor McPhilips’ longstanding record of 32 tries for the Province.
Gavin Duffy starts at fullback to complete the Connacht line-up.
Ronan Loughney, Sean Cronin, Jamie Hagan, Mike McCarthy, Bernie Upton. Andrew Browne, Johnny O’Connor (C), Ray Ofisa; Frank Murphy, Ian Keatley; Fionn Carr, Troy Nathan, Niva Ta’auso, Brian Tuohy; Gavin Duffy
Replacements: Adrian Flavin, Brett Wilkinson, Rodney Ah You, Mike McComish, John Muldoon, Mark Dolan, Keith Matthews, Eoin Griffin
