Connacht head coach Eric Elwood has challenged his side to pick up where they left off when they welcome Zebre to the Sportsground on Friday in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Connacht have been in superb form of late, winning three of their last four games in the league and three in a row at home in all competitions.

Last time out Elwood’s troops fought their way to an impressive away win against the Cardiff Blues and a win against their Italian opposition this weekend could see them leapfrog the Welsh outfit.

And with five wins from their last five games against Italian opponents in all competitions Elwood is hoping for more of the same this weekend.

“We have our own goals set for the next few games,” said Elwood.

“We know we’re very competitive at home and we have Zebre coming to Galway next week.

“The key for us is to keep building on the momentum we have at the moment.”

Elwood has opted not to tinker too much with a winning formula with only four changes in total to the side that won at the Arms Park.

Robbie Henshaw, who was on international duty last week with Ireland U20s, is named at full back for his 21st Connacht appearance.

Skipper Gavin Duffy is named on the wing, replacing Fetu'u Vainikolo who moves to the bench.

Dan Parks was forced to withdraw late from last week's fixture with a hamstring injury but is fit enough to return to fly-half duties on Friday night.

Meanwhile, there is just one change up front with Mick Kearney replacing Michael Swift, who sustained a knee injury in training earlier in the week in the second row.

Zebre recorded their second loss by the narrowest of margins in being defeated 13-14 by Newport Gwent Dragons in Parma last Sunday – it was the fifth occasion in the PRO12 that Zebre have been leading inside the final quarter of a game only to eventually lose the match.
The two sides have already met on three occasions this season – once in the RaboDirect PRO12 and twice in the European Cup – with Connacht victorious every time.

And Christian Gajan has opted for a few alterations in an attempt to end their losing run.

Among the backs the two new selections are two Italian internationals: Paolo Buso at fly-half and Gonzalo Garcia at centre.

In the pack the Irish prop David Ryan will start in a front row completed by the hooker Andrea Manici and Andrea De Marchi.

Second rower Michael Van Vuren is ruled out due to an injury suffered against Dragons and his place is taken by Josh Sole who will pair with Italian skipper Marco Bortolami.

The back-row sees the return of Mauro Bergamasco who will play alongside No.8 Dries Van Schalkwyk.

On the other side the blindside flanker will be Filippo Ferrarini, man of the match last Sunday in Parma against the Dragons.

At Sportsground, 7.45pm.
Referee: Neil Hennessy (WRU, 14th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Michael Black, Ed Kenny (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Tom McCormack (IRFU)
TMO: Kevin Beggs (IRFU)

Live on TG4