Cronin back in Connacht side

Rugby: After ending the Six Nations on a high, Seán Cronin will return to the Connacht starting line-up when Eric Elwood's side take on Aironi at the Stadio Zaffanella on Saturday (4.30pm).

The Ireland hooker’s inclusion is the only change to the province’s line-up from the side that won the reverse fixture at the Sportsground a fortnight ago, while Cronin was on international duty.

It will be the Limerick man’s 45th Magners League appearance for the province, coming after bringing his international caps tally to 12.

Otherwise, it’s a case of as you were for Elwood and his team, with locks Mike McCarthy continuing in tandem with Michael Swift.

Shane Monahan comes on to the bench in the absence of Miah Nikora, whose knee injury has ruled him out of contention.

Still in search of their first ever league win after their 11-6 defeat to Connacht in the Galway snow, Aironi hope the Viadana heat may work to their advantage this time round.

Giulio Rubini returns to fullback, meaning James Marshall will line out at outhalf after two starts in the number 15 jersey.

Coach Rowland Phillips has again opted for Kaine Robertson and Danwel Demas on the wings, with Matteo Pratichetti and Gabriel Pizarro in the centre.

The pack shows one change with Fabio Staibano returning at tighthead prop, while Pablo Canavosio returns from international duty to take his place among the replacements.

Aironi (v Connacht):Giulio Rubini; Kaine Robertson, Matteo Pratichetti, Gabriel Pizarro, Danwel Demas; James Marshall, Tito Tebaldi; Alberto De Marchi, Roberto Santamaria, Fabio Staibano; Joshua Furno, Marco Bortolami (capt); Josh Sole, Gareth Krause, Nick Williams. Replacements:Fabio Ongaro, Andrea De Marchi, Luca Redolfini, George Biagi, Nicola Cattina, Pablo Canavosio, Riccardo Bocchino, Horacio San Martin.

Connacht (v Aironi):Gavin Duffy; Brian Tuohy, Niva Ta'auso, Troy Nathan, Fionn Carr; Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy; Brett Wilkinson, Seán Cronin, Jamie Hagan; Michael Swift, Mike McCarthy; Andrew Browne, Johnny O'Connor (capt), Ray Ofisa. Replacements:Adrian Flavin, Ronan Loughney, Rodney Ah You, Bernie Upton, John Muldoon, Cillian Willis, Keith Matthews, Shane Monahan