Connacht call in emerging Ireland stars

Cian Prendergast is named in the Connnacht starting XV for tomorrow’s clash with Scarlets in the URC.

While fellow emerging Ireland stars Dylan Tierney-Martin and Cathal Forde are among the replacements.

In total there are six changes from last week’s side. Denis Buckley, Leva Fifita, Conor Oliver, Kieran Marmion and Tiernan O’Halloran also coming into the starting line-up.

Buckley partners Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham in the front row while Niall Murray continues in the second row alongside Fifita. Paul Boyle completes the back row with Prendergast and Oliver.

Jack Carty captains the side from out-half with Marmion alongside him. The centre partnership of David Hawkshaw and Byron Ralston is unchanged. Wingers Mack Hansen and John Porch are also retained.

"We've had a tough start to the season, but if we can pick up a couple of wins in these last two rounds before the November break, then we'll put ourselves in a much better position heading into the next block” said Director of Rugby Andy Friend.

“Scarlets are always a difficult team to face as they have quality players across the park. There's nearly always one score separating the two sides at full-time, so it'll no doubt be a tight affair”.

“We need to ensure we bring the intent and physicality that we've shown in the last two matches, as well as improving our ability to finish the multiple opportunities that we're creating”.

“If we can do that, then we'll put ourselves in a great position to obtain the result that we're all chasing."