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Ciaran Frawley will make his long awaited Connacht makes his debut on Friday night after being named at fly-half for Stuart Lancaster’s side’s URC clash against Benetton Treviso.
The Ireland international is Connacht’s signing this summer following his move from Leinster, a move that left many Blues supporters, and indeed Leo Cullen, disappointed to see him go.
Seen as a move that could benefit both player and country, the 28-year-old’s move to Galway should bring more playing time at fly-half and help him become a genuine long-term Ireland No.10 option for Andy Farrell.
After sitting out Connacht’s opening round defeat to the Stormers, the 6’3, 98kg opposition goes straight into Lancaster’s starting XV. He is one of six players included in Ireland’s summer squad who will return directly for the 23rd game this week.
Cian Prendergast captains the side from blindside flanker, while reigning Connacht Player of the Year Sean Jansen is named at No.8. Another tourist from Ireland Darragh Murray starts in the second row.
Lancaster made two more changes to the side that started against the Stormers. Matthew Victory gets his first Connacht start at scrum-half, while Caolin Blade steps in at scrum-half.
Victory joins Francois van Wyk and Finlay Bealham in the front row, while Murray partners Josh Murphy in the engine room. Sean O’Brien moves to the openside flankers alongside Prendergast and Jansen in the back row.
Outside of Blade and Frawley, the backline remains unchanged. Mack Hansen and Finn Treacy were selected on the wings, with Cathal Forde and John Devine continuing their midfield partnership. Sam Gilbert starts at fullback.
Among the replacements, Sam Illo is in line for his 50th Connacht appearance, while Billy Bohan also returns from international duty.
Connacht: Sam Gilbert; Finn Treacy, John Devine, Cathal Forde, Mack Hansen; Ciarán Frawley, Colin Blade; Francois van Wyk, Matthew Victory, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast (c), Sean O’Brien, Sean Jansen.
Replacements: Eoin de Buitléar, Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Paul Boyle, Colm Reilly, Josh Ioane, Shane Jennings.
