Elwood rings the changes for Glasgow
Rugby team news:Connacht coach Eric Elwood has overhauled his backline as the province travel to Glasgow tomorrow night in search of more points on the road. Just three of those deployed behind the scrum against the Scarlets last weekend survive, with Gavin Duffy, David McSharry and Kieran Marmion retained.
Matthew Jarvis replaces Miah Nikora at outhalf, Mark McCrea and James Loxton have been named on the wings while the young centre Robbie Henshaw will make his first Rabo Pro12 start. Elwood has changed his second row entirely, with George Naoupu and Dave Gannon replacing Michael Swift and Mike McCarthy.
Connacht will move above Glasgow should they take the points at Scotstoun, both sides managing just one win so far this season.
Glasgow scrumhalf Chris Cusiter, meanwhile, will miss Scotland’s autumn internationals with a shoulder injury, Glasgow Warriors confirmed today. The 30-year-old has been ruled out until December after dislocating his shoulder in last Friday’s RaboDirect PRO12 win over the Ospreys.
Cusiter was assessed by Julie McBirnie, a shoulder specialist, at Spire Murrayfield Hospital in Edinburgh and does not require an operation. Head coach Gregor Townsend told www.glasgowwarriors.org: “Everyone at Glasgow Warriors is disappointed that a quality player like Chris Cusiter is likely to be out of action until around the middle of December.
“It’s encouraging, though, that he doesn’t need surgery, and we know he’s in the best possible hands with our medical team. Chris is a tough competitor, and he’ll be working hard to return to fitness and make a significant contribution to our campaign.”
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “It’s disappointing for Chris because he has made such a good start to the season. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Connacht:G Duffy; J Loxton, R Henshaw, D McSharry, M McCrea; M Jarvis, K Marmion; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, N White; G Naoupu, D Gannon; J O'Connor, W Faloon, E McKeon. Replacements:K O'Byrne, D Buckley, R Ah You, M Swify, M Kearney, D Moore, J Carty, M Fifita
