AFTER MAKING THEIR debut in last week’s friendly win in Brive, new Connacht recruits Joe Maksymiw and Kyle Godwin will be on show from the start of Saturday’s meeting with Wasps in Athlone’s Dubarry Park (kick-off 15.00).
The pair are among eight changes made by new head coach Andy Friend after the 33-24 win in France. Former Leicester Tiger Maksimiw replaces Ultan Dillane to join James Cannon as locks behind an all new front row.
Godwin takes up the 13 jersey, while Niyi Adeolokun comes into the back three in place of Tiernan O’Halloran with Cian Kelleher moving to fullback after last weekend’s hat-trick.
Former Ireland U20 captain Paul Boyle will start on the blindside after Eoghan Masterson suffered a hand injury in France and will undergo surgery this week.
His fellow back row Robin Copeland is nursing a hip injury sustained in training. Hooker Jonny Murphy was also injured against Brive, the medical team are monitoring his rib issue.
First-choice hooker Tom McCartney picked up an ankle knock in training. Connacht expect McCartney and second rows Peter Claffey (calf) and Gavin Thornbury (shoulder) to be fit to play in early September.
Connacht (v Wasps)
15. Cian Kelleher
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Kyle Godwin
12. Tom Farrell
11. Matt Haly.
10. Jack Carty
9. Caolin Blade
1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Joe Maksymiw
5. James Cannon
6. Paul Boyle
7. Jarrad Butler
8. Eoin McKeon
Replacements
Conan O’Donnell
Shane Delahunt
Conor Carey
Cillian Gallagher
Sean O’Brien
James Connolly
James Mitchell
Craig Ronaldson
Colm de Buitlear
Rory Scholes
Eoin Griffin
Darragh Leader
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