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Bundee Aki at training with the Connacht squad this week. James Crombie/INPHO
Comeback

Bundee Aki returns while Healy sits out Connacht's clash with Treviso

Matt Healy picked up a minor hip issue this week.

PAT LAM HAS made six changes to the Connacht side that will take on Benetton Treviso this Sunday in the Guinness Pro12 [KO 1.30PM].

Bundee Aki returns to the starting line-up to partner Craig Ronaldson in midfield. The centre has been out of action since December due to an ankle problem, and returned to training earlier this week.

Caolin Blade has been named to start at scrum-half again in place of Kieran Marmion, who is with the Irish squad.

Danie Poolman comes in to make his 80th Connacht appearance, replacing Matt Healy who picked up a minor hip injury in training during the week.

Elsewhere, Shane Delahunt earns his third start of the season to make up a front row which includes Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham.

James Cannon comes in to the pack to join Ultan Dillane in the second row while Nepia Fox-Matamua has been given the nod to come into the back row alongside Sean O’Brien and John Muldoon.

Speaking ahead of the game, Lam said:

“We know from experience how difficult it is to go to Treviso and get a good result. With the travel factor and the short turnaround on the other side, It is so important that we get our mental preparation spot on as well as the physical side of things.

“Every game and every point is vital for us and we will be going to Italy fully intent on improving on last week’s performance.”

Connacht (v Treviso)

15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Bundee Aki
12. Craig Ronaldson
11. Danie Poolman
10 Jack Carty
9. Caolin Blade

1. Denis Buckley
2. Shane Delahunt
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Ultan Dillane
5. James Cannon
6. Sean O’Brien
7. Nepia Fox-Matamua
8. John Muldoon (captain)

Replacements:

16. Dave Heffernan
17. JP Cooney
18. John Andress
19. Quinn Roux
20. Naulia Dawai
21. John Cooney
22. Tom Farrell
23. Stacey Ili


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