Nathan comes in for Connacht

Troy Nathan's recent form has been rewarded with a first starting role for Connacht when they travel to Rodney Parade tomorrow night.

Nathan's swift rise through the ranks, the New Zealander was playing his rugby with third division Connemara until the middle of last month, sees him claim the out-half jersey from Andy Dunne for the meeting with the the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Elsewhere, it's a case of as you were for a Michael Bradley side aware that nothing less that a win will suffice for if they are to maintain some sort of pressure on Ulster for the final Heineken Cup place.

Connacht: G Duffy; M Mostyn, M Deane, K Matthews, D Riordan; T Nathan, C McPhillips; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Morris; D Gannon, A Farley (C); J Muldoon, J O'Connor, C Rigney. Replacements:  J Fogarty, R Loughney, A Browne, L Casserly, R Shaw, A Dunne, D Yapp.

Not selected due to injury: Tim Donnelly (shoulder), John Hearty (hip), Brian McGovern (hamstring), John Lyne (hand), Ray Ofisa (arm), Conor O'Loughlin (shoulder), Michael Swift (kidney), Aidan Wynne (hamstring).