Bundee Aki, Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan all start for Connacht in tomorrow's important PRO14 clash with Cardiff Blues at the Sportsground (7.35pm).
Although he has lost Quinn Roux and Peter Robb to injury, Andy Friend is able to call on a strong side for the encounter between the sides that are second and third in Conference B, with six points separating Connacht from their opponents.
The return of Ireland trio Aki, Dillane and Heffernan after three weeks in Ireland camp is a boost, as is the return of skipper Jarrad Butler to the back row.
Dillane is the only one of the Ireland contingent to have got some Six Nations game time in recent weeks, having come on in last week's defeat to France.
Caolin Blade and Jack Carty start at 9 and 10 respectively, while Aki links up in the centre with in-form Tom Daly.
John Porch continues his run of starting every game this season, forming a back three with wingers Matt Healy and Alex Wootton.
Dillane is partnered by Gavin Thornbury in the second row, while hooker Heffernan is joined by props Jordan Duggan and Finlay Bealham to complete the pack.
Duggan will make his first start for the province with his seven previous appearances coming off the bench.
Tiernan O’Halloran, who picked up some game-time for the Eagles last week, is named among the replacements having last played against Ulster during the Christmas interpros.
Andy Friend said: “It’s great to welcome Dave, Ultan and Bundee back into the fold, and they’re re-joining an already healthy group of players.
"We had tough news for Quinn Roux and Peter Robb this week but overall we’re in a good spot and that’s allowed us to pick a squad based on form.
“Tomorrow marks the start of a block of games that will ultimately define our season. We have a great opportunity to keep the pressure on Munster at the top while opening some daylight between ourselves and the chasing pack.
"We know our home form isn’t where it should be so this is our opportunity to put that right."
CONNACHT: Porch, Wooton, Daly, Aki, Healy, Carty, Blade; Duggan, Heffernan, Bealham, Dillane, Thornbury, Masterson, Butler, Doyle.
Replacements: Delahunt, Buckley, Aungier, Dowling, Papali'i, Marmion, O'Brien, O'Halloran.
