A string of internationals return for Connacht's home clash with Toulouse tomorrow - with nothing short of a victory enough to keep their wafer-thin Champions Cup hopes alive.
Jack Carty resumes at out-half following an injury to Conor Fitzgerald, while Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Ultan Dillane also return.
In a further boost to Andy Friend's side, skipper Jarrad Butler, Colby Fainga'a and Matt Healy are also back in harness - but Caolan Blade is demoted to the bench having played the last nine straight games for the province, with Stephen Kerins handed his first Champions Cup start.
Dillane will be partnered by Gavin Thornbury in the second row, while Paddy McAllister and Tom McCartney join Bealham in the front row to complete the pack.
Aki is partnered by Peter Robb in the centre, while Healy is joined by winger Niyi Adeolokun and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran in the back three.
“It’s been a difficult Christmas period for everyone, but we’ve a lot of returning players which is exactly what we need," said Friend.
"With our captain Jarrad Butler back in the side and players like Jack and Bundee returning from their break, I believe this is a squad full of quality and experience that can win this game.”
“This game is exactly what we need. We’ve got a great opportunity to come up against the French champions and challenge them in our own backyard.
"We know it’s a must-win tie to keep our quarter-final hopes alive, and with our home crowd behind us I know the players will relish the occasion".
Connacht team
15-9: Tiernan O’Halloran, Niyi Adeolokun, Bundee Aki, Peter Robb, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Stephen Kerins.
1-8: Paddy McAllister, Tom McCartney, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Gavin Thornbury, Paul Boyle, Colby Fainga’a, Jarrad Butler (C).
Replacements: David Heffernan, Denis Buckley, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Joe Maksymiw, Eoin McKeon, Caolin Blade, David Horwitz, John Porch.
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