O’Connor gets the nod for big clash with Toulon

Date Published: 29-Apr-2010

Dara Bradley

CONNACHT coach Michael Bradley has made six changes to the side that spectacularly defeated Leinster last Wednesday as he plots the downfall of French outfit Toulon at the Sportsground tonight (7.45pm) and bids to reach the final of the Amlin Challenge Cup for the first time in the province’s history.

Flanker Johnny O’Connor, who has been revelation in his last few starts, has been given the nod over Mike McComish, who drops to the bench for the sold-out semi-final at the College Road venue.

Out-half Ian Keatley, the competition’s second highest points scorer this season, and scrum-half Frank Murphy, who has recovered from a ankle injury, renew their half back partnership with Miah Nikora and Conor O’Loughlin named among the replacements.

The only other change to a re-jigged backline is winger Brian Tuohy loses out to Niva Ta’auso, who as expected recovered from a knee injury and starts in the centre alongside Aidan Wynne, with Troy Nathan moving to the wing. Gavin Duffy retains the full-back berth and Fionn Carr is also named the wing.

Keith Mathews described as a ‘major concern’ earlier this week has lost his race against time to recover from an ankle injury sustained in the Munster clash two weeks ago. Mathews is the only change to the side that dramatically overcame Bourgoin in the quarter-final.

As expected, captain John Muldoon has shaken off a groin strain, and will lead the team into battle. In a new look front row, Jamie Hagan (hamstring), after being declared fully fit returns in place of Robbie Morris and Brett Wilkinson gets the nod over local man Ronan Loughney.

Seán Cronin retains the hooker spot. Morris is carrying a calf injury but is named as cover on the bench.Connacht’s most capped player – and the player who has made more appearances in the Challenge Cup than any other from any team – Michael Swift also retains his place as do Mike McCarthy and George Naoupu.

Just two of the first XV – Nathan and Keatley – started for Connacht in the 58-10 disappointing loss to the Llanelli Scarlets last weekend. A total of 7,000 tickets were sold for Connacht’s first European semi-final in five years as the province bids to maintain its remarkable 100% unbeaten record in Europe this season.

On that occasion, Connacht lost to Sale Sharks over two legs and the English side went on to lift the cup in 2005.The same happened the previous year when Harlequins defeated Connacht over two legs – despite a memorable win 23-18 home leg win for the westerners – and went on to win the final.“

Toulon embarked on a strategy which has got them to the top of the Top 14 and they have quality throughout their squad. They are a colourful side with big names and big stars with the likes of Jonny Wilkinson and Felipe Contepomi to pick and choose from. But they have to come to Galway and we have the X factor in terms of our ground. We have a home draw and, while they will bring the stars, we’ll bring our support and we’ll see who comes out on top,” said Bradley.

Admission to the ground is by ticket only and all tickets are sold out. Car parking will be available at Moneenageisha Community College, at City Hall, city centre car parks and also at Galwegians RFC on the Dublin Road. There will be no public car parking available at the Sportsground.

Supporters holding tickets for the Main Stand side of the ground, and also the College Road Terrace, are asked to enter the ground at the main stadium turnstiles. Supporters holding tickets for the Clubhouse Terrace and for the Bohermore Terrace are asked to enter the ground at the car park entrance to the ground. For supporters who have purchased tickets online, Ticketmaster will have a collection box in the car park of the Huntsman Inn on College Road.

Connacht (v Toulon): Gavin Duffy; Troy Nathan, Niva Ta’auso, Aidan Wynne, Fionn Carr; Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy; Brett Wilkinson, Sean Cronin, Jamie Hagan, Michael Swift, Michael McCarthy, John Muldoon (capt), Johnny O’Connor, George Naoupu.Replacements: Adrian Flavin, Ronan Loughney, Bernie Upton, Mike McComish, Conor O’Loughlin, Miah Nikora, Brian Tuohy, Robbie Morris.