Connacht coach Michael Bradley has made eight changes to the side soundly beaten by the Celtic Warriors for the trip to Edinburgh this evening.

Five of the alterations are in the pack, with Dan McFarland and Bernard Jackman returning to the front row, Damian Browne restored to the engine room and Johnny Muldoon and Tom Carter winning places in the back row.

The half-back partnership alternates, with Eric Elwood and Conor O'Loughlin starting. Shane Moore is at inside centre while Mark McHugh reverts to full back and Matt Mostyn to the right wing. This will be the third time the teams have met this season, with honours even so far.

Connacht defeated Edinburgh on the opening day of the season before being pipped by a point in the semi-final of the Celtic Cup.

Edinburgh are without several players because of the Six Nations but still possess a bit of clout behind the scrum in centre Marcus Di Rollo and former international wing Craig Joiner.

Connacht will feel confident they can nudge ahead in the series. The pack should give them the platform, especially given the presence of Jackman and John O'Sullivan. Indeed, the back row is particularly athletic given the presence of Johnny Muldoon, and Tom Carter, alongside O'Sullivan. Conor O'Loughlin is improving quickly at scrumhalf while Elwood and McHugh should be able to tag on points with the boot.

EDINBURGH: H Southwell; C Sharman, M Di Rollo, M Dey, C Joiner; A Warnock, G Burns (capt), A Jacobsen, D Hall, J Brannigan; N Pike, A Kellock; A Dall, C Harrison, A Martyn.

CONNACHT: M McHugh; M Mostyn, D Yapp, S Moore, C McPhillips; E Elwood, C O' Loughlin; D McFarland, B Jackman, A Clarke; D Browne, A Farley; J Muldoon, J O'Sullivan, T Carter.

Referee: N Owens (Wales).

Verdict: Connacht.

Edinburgh v Connacht

Meadowbank, 7.30