Connacht head coach Pat Lam admits physicality will be the key in tomorrow’s Guinness PRO12 clash against Munster at a sold-out Sportsgounds.
The Westerners make five changes with of Robbie Henshaw, Kieran Marmion and Rodney Ah You all returning to their starting XV for the opening game of 2015.
All Black centurion Mils Muliaina is at full back while Galwayman Darragh Leader moves to the right wing with Danie Poolman on the left.
Lam said: “Tomorrow we face a very direct and physical Munster side with an excellent kicking game.
"The changes to our own team reflect the game plan we have devised to try and combat the big challenge ahead.
"Having the physicality of Craig (Ronaldson), Robbie and Bundee (Aki) in the front line will be key to our defence tomorrow.
“And the selection of the back three of Mils, Darragh and Danie is directly linked to the quality of Munster's aerial threat and the tough weather conditions expected."
Quinn Roux returns form the ankle injury that forced him to withdraw late in Belfast last week, and partners try scorer Aly Muldowney in the second row.
CONNACHT (v Munster): M Muliaina; D Leader, R Henshaw, B Aki, D Poolman; C Ronaldson, K Marmion; D Buckley, T McCartney, R Ah You, Q Roux, A Muldowney, J Muldoon (c), W Faloon, E McKeon. Replacements: D Heffernan, JP Cooney, F Bealham, U Dillane, G Naoupu, J Cooney, M Nikora, D McSharry.
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