Dax v Connacht: Teams

Connacht head into Friday's game full of confidence after their victory over Magners League champions Leinster last time out.

Head coach Michael Bradley knows it will be a tough test for his players, but believes that win over Leinster will stand them in good stead.

"It's a good win and gives us something to build on," said Bradley.

"We worked hard and played sensible rugby when it was required and deserved the win.

"But we need to move on quickly as there is a short turnaround for the Dax match.

"We leave on Wednesday morning so it is vital that everyone is in the right frame of mind because this will be a tough test as they have chalked up some impressive results in the French Top 14."

Ireland flanker Jonny O'Connor packs down along side Colm Rigney and captain John Muldoon, whilst former Leicester scrum-half Frank Murphy is preferred to Kieran Campbell at nine.

Solid

There is also international experience in the front row, where England cap Robbie Morris starts at tighthead, with Brett Wilkinson at loosehead.

Dax will be confident of causing Connacht problems, and field a solid looking side. Maxime Petitjean starts at fly-half, and will punish any Connacht indiscretions with his accurate boot.

In the pack Six Nations squad player Julien Brugnaut gets the nod to start at loosehead, and is joined in the front row by William Bonet and Jérémy Castex.

Dax: 15 Laurent Diaz, 14 Bruno Hiriart, 13 Laurent Marticorena, 12 Duncan Bell, 11 Paul Albaladejo, 10 Maxime Petitjean, 9 Jean Baptiste Pezet, 8 Pierre Caillet, 7 Vincent Deniau, 6 SW Goodwin, 5 Anthony Mazel, 4 Cédric Guironnet, 3 Jérémy Castex, 2 William Bonet, 1 Julien Brugnaut.
Replacements: 16 Mattin Auzqui, 17 Jimmy Jaen, 18 Christopher Poulain, 19 Jean-Baptiste Cros, 20 Justin Pendanx, 21 Florian Argel, 22 Jordi Rouge.

Connacht: 15 Fionn Carr, 14 Liam Bibo, 13 Gavin Duffy, 12 Mel Deane, 11 Mike Roberts, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Frank Murphy, 8 Colm Rigney, 7 Jonny O'Connor, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Andrew Farley, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Robbie Morris, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Brett Wilkinson.
Replacements: 16 Joe Merrigan, 17 Ronan Loughney, 18 Andrew Browne, 19 Ray Ofisa, 20 Kieran Campbell, 21 Troy Nathan, 22 John Hearty.