Kids of Connacht are primed

CONNACHT fans will get a glimpse into the future when Andy Friend’s side take to the field at the Sportsground this afternoon. The return of Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Quinn Roux to the starting line-up following Ireland’s November campaign is a welcome boost, but it is the presence of two academy rookies on the team sheet that is most appealing. Kieran Joyce, a 22-year-old centre fresh out of the academy, is set to make his debut against Perpignan while Joe Maksymiw, a summer arrival from Leicester Tigers, will start his first game for the province alongside Roux in the engine room. ‘It is great to have three of our internationals back in the side,’ said Friend. ‘Bundee, Finlay and Quinn are hugely experienced, and it is important to have them back. But we also have a few new faces who are getting their chance to shine. ‘Joe Maksymiw has made a few appearances off the bench and comes in for his first start and Kieran Joyce from our academy partners Bundee in midfield. ‘They have proven in training that they are ready for the step up.’ Dave Heffernan captains the side from hooker and will look to remind Joe Schmidt why he brought him to Japan on Ireland’s development tour in 2017. Speaking of Test recognition, Cian Kelleher and Matt Healy continue to dazzle on the Connacht wings, but call-ups from Schmidt have proved elusive for the fleet-footed duo. Kelleher remains uncapped while Healy has one solitary appearance to his name against South Africa in 2016. Perpignan – relegation fodder with 11 losses in the Top 14 – have brought a weakened squad to Galway.