Connacht ring the changes for South African task

Connacht have made seven changes to the side which exited the Heineken Champions Cup in Dublin last weekend, as Andy Friend's side seek to extend the winning run in South Africa against the Lions in Johannesburg.

Two of chose changes are in the backs where Alex Wootton and Tom Daly come into the side.

Daly starts at inside-centre with Bundee Aki moving to 13. Alex Wootton is back named on the wing, with John Porch and Mack Hansen, the latter shifting to full-back, completing the back three.

Caolin Blade and captain Jack Carty are retained at 9 and 10 respectively.

In the front row there are starts for props Denis Buckley and Jack Aungier alongside hooker Dave Heffernan, while there’s a new-look second row of Oisín Dowling and Niall Murray.

The final change sees the return of Paul Boyle at number 8, while Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver keep their place on the flanks.

Commenting on the team announcement, Head Coach Andy Friend says:

"We’ve had a really good week so far in South Africa, and while the disappointment of last week still lingers, there’s still a great sense of optimism in the group that we can finish these last few games on a high."

Connacht (to play Emirates Lions: Mack Hansen, John Porch, Bundee Aki, Tom Daly, Alex Wootton; Jack Carty, Caolin Blade; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier; Oisín Dowling, Niall Murray; Cian Prendergast, Conor Oliver, Paul Boyle.

Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Greg McGrath, Leva Fifita, Jarrad Butler, Kieran Marmion, Conor Fitzgerald, Shayne Bolton.

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