Friend rings changes for Connacht's meeting with Stormers

Andy Friend has made nine changes to the Connacht side for tomorrow’s clash with URC champions DHL Stormers in Stellenbosch.

There’s a new front row of Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Finlay Bealham. A new second row partnership of Niall Murray and Josh Murphy who moves from blindside flanker.

Cian Prendergast and captain for the day Jarrad Butler come onto the flanks with Paul Boyle retained at number 8.

Caolin Blade is named at scrum-half with out-half Conor Fitzgerald. The back line includes starts for Mack Hansen and Oran McNulty. Hansen starts on the left wing with John Porch on the opposite wing. McNulty starts at full-back, while the centre partnership consists of Tom Farrell and Byron Ralston.

‘We’ve had a positive week so far in South Africa” explained director of rugby Andy Friend. “After arriving on Tuesday, we’ve managed to get the required training done and we’re in a good space heading into our game against the Stormers”.

“I don’t believe that our performance against Ulster was reflective of all the hard work we’d put in during pre-season. I’m very confident that we’ll deliver a much improved performance on Saturday against last year’s champions."

The squad arrived in Cape Town on Tuesday and today travel to Stellenbosch where the game will take place. The squad will remain there until Thursday when they fly to Pretoria for the next week’s game with the Vodacom Bulls.