Victory for the western province would secure their place in the Heineken Champions Cup next season.

Aki will form a midfield partnership with Tom Farrell who was withdrawn early as a precaution against Zebre but is fit and available to take on Connacht’s Welsh rivals.

In the back three, Tiernan O’Halloran is named at full-back with Darragh Leader and Matt Healy playing either side of him

Jack Carty and Caolin Blade are named as halfbacks, continuing their partnership.

The front five is unchanged from the Zebre clash. Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan and Dominic Robertson McCoy start in the front row with Ultan Dillane and Gavin Thornbury in the second row.

Boyle’s selection at blindside sees him come into a back row with openside Colby Fainga’a and captain Jarrad Butler at No 8.

"The stakes are really high but our destiny remains in our own hands," said Friend, speaking about the weekend's clash.

"If we perform on Saturday and can win the game we can secure that play-off on Saturday and ensure a Champions Cup spot, which would be brilliant.

"We know what we need to do to get a result. We must make sure we are nice and direct, that we control the football when we have it, and when we don’t, we don’t give them easy yardage."

Speaking about his team selection, Friend said: "We welcome Bundee Aki back into the side and as always he is rearing to go and get out there in front of the Sportsground crowd.

"Paul Boyle also comes back into the back row where we have the luxury of being able to rotate players due to our depth. We also have some great options off the bench."

Kick-off at the Sportsground is at 3pm on Saturday.

Connacht team: Tiernan O’Halloran, Darragh Leader, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Ultan Dillane, Gavin Thornbury, Paul Boyle, Colby Fainga’a, Jarrad Butler (Capt).

Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Matthew Burke, Conor Carey, James Cannon, Robin Copeland, Kieran Marmion, Tom Daly, Cian Kelleher.