Henshaw in line for first Connacht start

ATHLONE rugby star Robbie Henshaw is all set to make his first senior start for Connacht in Friday evening's latest RaboDirect PRO12 away encounter against Glasgow Warriors (Scotstoun Stadium, 7.35pm). Henshaw, who has featured as a substitute in Connacht's opening three RaboDirect outings, is one of six changes to Eric Elwood's team for the visit of Glasgow. The Coosan native, 19, replaces Eoin Griffin, who is resting an ankle injury, at outside-centre. The former Marist College student is one of four fresh faces in the backs, as Mark McCrea, James Loxton and Matthew Jarvis also come in. Dave McSharry, who burst back onto the scene last week against Scarlets, joins Henshaw in the new-look centre partnership. Up front, meanwhile, hooker Adrian Flavin, who last week celebrated his 100th league appearance, replaces Ethienne Reynecke. George Naoupu started at no.8 against Cardiff Blues and Zebre, but tomorrow he joins the second-row alongside Dave Gannon, who gains his first start. Willie Faloon, who made his Connacht starting debut last weekend, stars in the all-new back-row trio, which sees Johnny O'Connor move from open-side to blindside flanker. Fellow Buccaneers' stwalwart Jack Carty has also made the substitutes bench for this encounter and will be hoping to feature at some point. Both Connacht and Glasgow Warriors are looking for a second win of the league tomorrow night. The Warriors gained a notable opening win of the season courtesy of a 28-10 victory against reigning champions Ospreys, while Connacht's only victory came in their second outing against newcomers Zebre (17-30). They've suffered home defeats to Cardiff Blues and Scarlets, and their next outing, following the trip to Glasgow's west end, is to be against Leinster (currently mid-table in the 12-team competition) in Galway on September 28 (8pm).