
Athlone's Niall Murray also starts for the Westerners.
Jack Carty slots straight back into the Connacht line-up for their game with the Ospreys tomorrow.
He also captain's the side from out-half while his fellow Athlone man Niall Murray is named to start at lock.
Summer signing 20-year-old Shayne Bolton, is poised to make his debut at outside centre.
Alex Wootton makes his first appearance of the season on the wing, while Dave Heffernan will win his 150th cap for the province.
Head Coach Andy Friend says:
“Everyone had a deserved few days off after the Aviva game and we’ve since spent the last few weeks fully focused on getting a win tomorrow night. Ospreys have made a really good start to their season and they’re always difficult to play against, so everyone knows we have to push on from our interpro performances to get the win we need.
Shayne Bolton has settled in really well since arriving from South Africa so he’s deserving of a start, and it’s a special game for Dave Heffernan and Ballina RFC on the day of his 150th appearance.”
Connacht XV + Replacements:
- Matthew Burke
- Dave Heffernan
- Finlay Bealham
- Niall Murray
- Ultan Dillane
- Jarrad Butler
- Conor Oliver
- Paul Boyle
- Kieran Marmion
- Jack Carty
- Mack Hansen
- Sammy Arnold
- Shayne Bolton
- Alex Wootton
- Oran McNulty
- Shane Delahunt
- Jordan Duggan
- Jack Aungier
- Oisín Dowling
- Eoghan Masterson
- Caolin Blade
- Conor Fitzgerald
- Peter Robb