European Challenge Cup/Connacht v Centranza Sportsground, 6.30:Considering last week's 15-6 defeat in Brive and this evening's Spanish opponents capitulating at home 71-10 against the Newcastle Falcons, nothing short of a bonus point victory will suffice here.
Michael Bradley has made four changes, split evenly between the pack and backline, with the promising Daniel Riordan preferred ahead of Darren Yapp at outside centre and Conor O'Loughlin regaining his place at scrumhalf instead of Conor McPhillips. Both dropped players are on the bench.
Riordan's first start of the season was expected as he has been previously absent through injury but Bradley's decision to go with O'Loughlin is a mild surprise. McPhillips was converted from the wing this season so his inclusion in the 22 provides the coach with options.
The selection of Riordan and Keith Matthews in a new-look centre pairing, Aidan Wynne on the wing, Gavin Duffy at fullback and number eight John Muldoon proves home-grown representation remains a priority in Connacht.
Up front, Bradley has opted for Ray Ofisa ahead of Johnny O'Connor at openside in what can be inferred as a rotational policy with sterner tests ahead and a decent spread of backrow options at Connacht's disposal. Adrian Flavin comes in for John Fogarty at hooker.
On the presumption that Connacht will have few problems here, the most interesting clash in Pool Three takes place at Kingston Park, where the Falcons host Brive, a match that can be seen live on Sky Sports.
Tonight also marks a welcome return to the Sportsground as five of the opening seven fixtures have been on the road. "We have been away a lot since the start of this season and this game will be the first of four successive home matches," said Bradley. "It will be a key period for us and we want to kick that off with a resounding victory."
The level of performance takes precedence against such lightweight visitors.
CONNACHT:G Duffy; O Treviranus, D Riordan, K Matthews, A Wynne; T Donnelly, C O'Loughlin; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Morris; M Swift, A Farley (capt); M McCarthy, R Ofisa, J Muldoon. Replacements: J Merrigan, R Loughney, A Browne, J O'Connor, C McPhillips, P Durcan, D Yapp.
CENTRANZA EL SALVADOR:I Gutiérrez; T Brouwer, J Revilla, R Turrión, M Stanley; R Van Eyk, AN Other; I Insausti, D Zarzosa, J Zapatero (capt); S Souto, F Galloppa; A Mata, I Criado, C Souto. Replacements: C Caballero, M Serrano, Ó Benito, F Suárez, D Norate, L Gascón, A Gutiérrez.
Referee:G Morris (Wales).
Previous European meeting:none.
Verdict:Connacht win.
