Brideswell's Murray on the verge of 100th Connacht appearance

South Roscommon rugby star Niall Murray will be hoping to make his 100th appearance for Connacht in Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship interpro against Leinster at Dexcom Stadium, Galway (7.45pm).

Murray, from Brideswell, has been named among head coach Stuart Lancaster's replacements, along with Creagh's Colm Reilly, as Connacht make a number of changes from the side that beat Zebre last week, with Finlay Bealham, Paul Boyle and Cathal Forde the only players retained.

Boyle captains the side at number 8 alongside flankers Sean O’Brien and Will Connors, who makes his first start for the club. There’s an all-new second row of Josh Murphy and David O’Connor, while an experienced front row of Francois van Wyk, Dave Heffernan and Bealham completes the pack.

There’s a new combo at 9 and 10, with Caolin Blade alongside Seán Naughton, who starts his first game of the season.

Harry West misses out through injury so Ballinasloe's John Devine starts at 13 alongside Forde, and there’s a new-look back three of wingers in Shayne Bolton, academy prospect Daniel Ryan, and Josh Ioane at full-back.

Commenting on his team selection, Stuart Lancaster said: “Tomorrow is a big day for a few reasons, but above all else it’s a great opportunity to finish the block on a high. We know what’s at stake and the challenge ahead of us, but I can see the progress we’re making each week, and having 12,000 Connacht fans behind us will be a big boost too. We’ve 13 players unavailable between internationals and injury, but we’ve put a big emphasis on building squad depth particularly for occasions like this. For a few players it’ll be their first experience of an interpro, but I know they will give their all in what I am sure will be another amazing atmosphere.”