Connacht head coach Pat Lam has shuffled his pack and handed Mils Milianina the captain's armband for the Westerners' trip to La Rochelle.
There are six changes – four in the pack – for Connacht's final pool game of the European Challenge Cup tomorrow (6.30PM), and they are still in the mix to secure a quarter-final spot.
Fullback Muliaina will captain the side for the first time. Darragh Leader is in at right wing to allow Danie Poolman to shift to outside centre in the absence of Robbie Henshaw. Conor Finn is at number 12. Ronan Loughney and Nathan White come into the front row.
Lots of @ConnachtClan on our flight to La Rochelle. Your Connacht team to be announced at 12 noon #ChallengeCup #ontheroad
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 23, 2015
"With injuries to four of our midfielders, the versatility of Danie (Poolman) sees him move to outside centre while young Conor (Finn) gets another opportunity after an impressive starting performance in our last game in France against Bayonne," said Lam.
“With this being our tenth consecutive game at the end of a very busy block of fixtures, we felt it was important to bring in fresh legs up front against another big, physical forward pack in La Rochelle.
"The fact that the changes here sees all senior and experienced guys come in just highlights the competition for places we have this season in some positions.
“With the rotation of John (Muldoon) and Nathan (White) just coming back from injury, Mils (Muliaina) was the clear choice to lead the side tomorrow.
"As someone who has captained both the All Blacks and the Chiefs, his experience and influence on and off the park will be crucial for us tomorrow in a tough environment."
CONNACHT (v La Rochelle):
15. Mils Muliaina (captain)
14. Darragh Leader
13. Danie Poolman
12. Conor Finn
11. Matt Healy
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Ronan Louhgney
2. Tom McCartney
3. Nathan White
4. Quinn Roux
5. Andrew Browne
6. Eoin McKeon
7. Willie Faloon
8. George Naoupu
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. JP Cooney
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Danny Qualter
20. John Muldoon
21. Caolin Blade
22. Miah Nikora
23. Niyi Adeolokun
Unavailable/Injured: Jason Harris-Wright, Sean Henry, Ultan Dillane, Mick Kearney, John Cooney, Ian Porter, Craig Ronaldson, Bundee Aki, Dave McSharry, Robbie Henshaw.
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