Sligo youngster Cillian Gallagher has been named on the bench for Connacht’s PRO14 tie away to Zebre tomorrow.
The Connacht Academy player and Irish U20 internatioal made his senior debut against Worcester in the European Challenge Cup in October, and is now set to make his first appearance in the PRO 14.
Head Coach Kieran Keane has included new signing Pita Ahki among his starting team and the side also features a new half-back pairing of Steve Crosbie at out-half and Kieran Marmion at scrum-half.
Tomorrow’s game kicks-off in Italy at 1.15pm Irish time.
Ahead of the clash, Connacht Head Coach Kieran Keane, spoke about the importance of getting a result against the Italians: “While we were disappointed not to beat Cardiff last week, I was proud of the boys and the way they battled to take 2 points from the game. In this competition it is really important to do well against teams in our conference.”
“We will face a big challenge against Zebre on Saturday. They have made it difficult against a lot of teams so far this season particularly when they are at home. We will need to be at our best to beat them” added Keane.
Kick-off 1.15pm (Irish Time):
(15-9) Tiernan O’Halloran, Cian Kelleher, Pita Ahki, Tom Farrell, Matt Healy, Steve Crosbie, Kieran Marmion, (1-8) Denis Buckley, Shane Delahunt, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, James Cannon, Eoghan Masterson, James Connolly, John Muldoon (Capt)
Replacements (16-23): Dave Heffernan, Peter McCabe, Conor Carey, Cillian Gallagher, Naulia Dawai, James Mitchell, Jack Carty, Eoin Griffin.
