Sport

Deane back to partner Duffy in midfield

CONNACHT v EDINBURGH: A TWO-WEEK sabbatical in the European Challenge Cup now behind them, Connacht must concentrate on the …

Fri Oct 24 2008 - 01:00

CONNACHT v EDINBURGH:A TWO-WEEK sabbatical in the European Challenge Cup now behind them, Connacht must concentrate on the more pressing matters of Magners League fare, writes John O'Sullivan

Their last outing in the domestic league was a stirring 19-18 win over Leinster, a victory that should foster great self-belief, particularly at home.

Coach Michael Bradley has made three changes to the pack. Former Leinster prop John Lyne comes in at loosehead, and he is joined in the frontrow by promising hooker Seán Cronin. Colm Rigney will wear the number eight jersey.

And David Gannon is fit enough to take a place on the bench for the first time this season after recovering from a calf injury.

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The composition of the Connacht backline has been compromised by injuries to Mike Roberts, Liam Bibo and Keith Matthews, but there was better news for Bradley with the confirmation that Mel Deane is fit to return to the midfield alongside Gavin Duffy.

The main problem for Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson is that, despite naming an unchanged team, he has chosen 11 replacements because of a number of injury concerns. He won't be able to finalise the match 22 until just before kick-off.

Andrew Kelly could make his 100th appearance for the Scottish side, while former Ulster lock Matt Mustchin and Hugo Southwell, both of whom missed the Castres win, are on the enlarged bench.

Prior to their victory over Castres, Edinburgh had won just one of their last five league matches and given their injury concerns may be a little vulnerable.

CONNACHT:F Carr; A Wynne, G Duffy, M Deane, J Hearty; I Keatley, F Murphy; J Lyne, S Cronin, R Morris; M Swift, A Farley; J Muldoon (capt), J O'Connor, C Rigney. Replacements: A Flavin, R Loughney, A Browne, D Gannon, K Campbell, A Dunne, T Nathan.

EDINBURGH:C Paterson; M Robertson, B Cairns, N De Luca, S Webster; P Godman, M Blair (capt); A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Cross; C Hamilton, J Hamilton; S Newlands, A MacDonald, A Hogg. Replacements (from): A Kelly, G Kerr, K Traynor, M Mustchin, B Gissing, S Cross, R Rennie, G Laidlaw, D Blair, H Southwell, J Houston.

Referee:James Jones (Wales).

Verdict:Connacht to win.