FRIEND: JACK WON’T SLACK

CONNACHT coach Andy Friend reckons Jack Carty will go from strength to strength following an impressive start to the season.

Despite two losses in his first three games, the Aussie has been pleased with many things, not least the form of out-half Carty.

“Jack has been phenomenal, he is gaining in confidence each week,” said

Friend. “He has a tremendous skill-set and to give him confidence to express himself is only going to add value to us.

“I have been very impressed by him. He is a good, quality player.”

Ireland skills and kicking coach Richie Murphy was at training with Connacht this week and Friend said it was a real shot in the arm for his players.

“It was good to have Richie down, and good for Jack and the squad to know that the Irish coaches are watching them. That is encouraging.”

Connacht host Scarlets today and Friend is looking for an improvement from their 17-10 defeat against Edinburgh last week.

“We definitely need to be better with the ball when we have got it and to be better with our discipline.

“This team is growing, these young men are really proud of this jersey.

“They were really hurting after the Glasgow match and really hurting last weekend in Edinburgh and I know they want to turn it around this weekend.”

Friend (left) has made six changes to his team, with Bundee Aki back for his first start since April. He’ll be partnered in midfield by Tom Farrell, who returns from a stomach bug, while Cian Kelleher is back on the right wing.

Denis Buckley returns at loosehead, with Quinn Roux in for Ultan Dillane in the second row. Robin Copeland makes his debut at No.8. CONNACHT: T O’halloran; C Kelleher, T Farrell, B Aki, M Healy; J Carty, K Marmion; D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham; G Thornbury, Q Roux; S O’brien, J Butler, R Copeland. Replacements: T Mccartney, P Mccabe, D Robertson-mccoy, U Dillane, C Fainga’a, C Blade, C Ronaldson, N Adeolokun.