Full-back Sean Naughton will make his first start for Connacht in tomorrow's BKT United Rugby Championship season opener against Benetton.
Paul Boyle captains the side from blindside flanker in his 117th appearance for the province, with academy back Naughton also making his first appearance in the URC.
Fellow academy player Fiachna Barrett could also make his URC debut, with the Mayo native named among the replacements for the season opener at a sold-out Dexcom Stadium (7.45pm).
Boyle features in a back row that includes Shamus Hurley-Langton with Sean Jansen at number 8.
Niall Murray and Josh Murphy make up the second row partnership, while the pack is completed by props Peter Dooley and Sam Illo, and hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin.
In the backs, Naughton makes up a back-three with wingers Chay Mullins and Irish international Shayne Bolton, while Cathal Forde and Byron Ralston form the centre pairing.
Completing the side is scrum-half Caolin Blade and out-half Josh Ioane.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster, ahead of his first competitive game with the club, said: "It’s been a really pleasing pre-season for us.
"I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the players and backroom staff, and we had two good wins against Bristol and Sale followed by a camp in Westport, so I believe we’re set up well to hit the ground running on Saturday night.
"Benetton are a strong side full of internationals, and the URC has become such a competitive league so every point is vital.
"I know there’s lots of excitement around the province so I’m sure the fans will harness that energy into getting behind the group for this opener, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere for the first time as head coach."
Connacht: Sean Naughton; Chay Mullins, Byron Ralston, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton; Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Peter Dooley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Sam Illo; Niall Murray, Josh Murphy; Paul Boyle (capt), Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen.
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Jordan Duggan, Fiachna Barrett, David O'Connor, Joe Joyce, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, Cian Prendergast.
Benetton: Matt Gallagher; Louis Lynagh,Tommaso Menoncello,Malakai Fekitoa,Onisi Ratave; Jacob Umaga,Louis Werchon; Ivan Nemer, Siua Maile, Simone Ferrari; Niccolò Cannone, Eli Snyman; Sebastian Blacks, Michele Lamaro (capt), So'otala Fa'aso'o.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Mirco Spagnolo, Tiziano Pasquali, Riccardo Favretto, Lorenzo Cannone, Alessandro Garbisi, Giuliano Avaca, Paolo Odogwu.
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