Treviso head coach Franco Smith has warned his in-form side not to take Connacht lightly ahead of their RaboDirect PRO12 clash on Saturday – with counterpart Eric Elwood looking to use all of his experience to upset the Italians once more. The Stadio Monigo outfit are unbeaten in their last three league fixtures, and won their last four home games in the RaboDirect PRO12 – their best ever home run. But Connacht have the slight edge in encounters between the two teams, winning three to Treviso's two, and were victorious 18-3 when Benetton visited Galway in round eight. Smith has decided to keep faith with the majority of the side that were successful last time out against Cardiff Blues, with Simone Favaro coming in at back row. Tobias Botes is back as scrum-half, Edoardo Gori will start on the wing, while Luke McLean replaces Brendan Williams at full-back. “Connacht had won three or four in a row before last week and with Eric Elwood finishing this year after 26 years I think with the club, so they will want to finish well for him,” said Smith. “They have a lot of character and desire, they beat us here last year 10-9 so it will be an important game. “We have so much respect for Dan Parks and we know he kicks well and manages a game well. He arrived at the right time for them, but they have a lot of other players and they are well-balanced.” Connacht's three-game winning run in the RaboDirect PRO12 ended at the hands of Munster last weekend and head coach Elwood has shuffled the pack. The 44-year-old has made four personnel changes with Adrian Flavin, Ronan Loughney, Mike McCarthy and Eoin McKeon all returning. One man who won’t be available is the injured Jonny O’Connor, but after announcing his intention to retire at the end of the season Elwood had nothing but praise for his former teammate. “I have known Johnny for over 20 years as a fellow player and as his coach and I know how hard he has worked to achieve what he did in his career,” said Elwood. “It came as no surprise to me that Johnny went on to be successful and win great honours in the game and play for Ireland. “He is a great role model and inspiration to our young players in our province. When Johnny pulled on that green shirt and took to the field, you knew that he was going to give you nothing less than 100 per cent.” At Stadio Monigo , 8pm local time (7pm Ireland & UK) Live on Sportitalia Referee: Andrew McMenemy (SRU, 21st competition game) Assistant Referees: Elia Rizzo, Filippo Navarra (both FIR) Citing Commissioner: Achille Reali (FIR) TMO: Mauro Dordolo (FIR)
