Connacht head coach Pat Lam admits it is hard not to get overexcited about Mils Muliaina’s debut at the Sportsground this Friday against Zebre.

The former All Blacks full-back will make his first start in a Connacht side that features seven changes from the last round of GUINNESS PRO12 action.

Centre Bundee Aki makes his home debut for Lam’s troops as well while on the bench former Auckland Blue Tom McCartney is also in line for his first appearance for his new club.

Elsewhere fly-half Miah Nikora has been handed his first start of the season and is partnered by scrum half Ian Porter while Dave McSharry makes up the midfield pairing with Aki.

Up front, there are two changes to the pack. Galway man Ronan Loughney switches to tight-head prop in the absence of the injured Nathan White and Rodney Ah You, who remains with the Ireland squad. Flanker Willie Faloon is named in a back row alongside captain John Muldoon and Player of the Month George Naoupu.

"It's fantastic to have our three new signings Mils, Bundee and Tom available for this game as we had planned,” said Lam.

“They have all settled in very well, getting to know their team mates and the new systems and structures. All three are really looking forward to getting out on the field tomorrow night in front of our home fans for the first time.

“We know there is a lot of anticipation around Mils' debut. This is Connacht's first All Black about to play at the Sportsground so it's obviously very exciting for us and our supporters. While the expectation is high, we have to keep in mind that this will be his first game of rugby since March after returning from a long term injury.

"But Mils is a true professional and has shown his experience during rehab, training and off the field. He is gunning to get out there to perform for the team.

“Miah (Nikora) gets his first start this season at outhalf after working extremely hard to come back from injury and has impressed us in training. It is a much changed back line from last time but one that we're excited about. It's great to have that extra depth in the squad to be able to make those changes.

“This week is huge for us. Games with Zebre have always been particularly tight as they are a proud team with a number of very experienced players. We are fully aware that we cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal at any time tomorrow night.

“We haven't had a game at home in nearly five weeks so there's a great buzz about the place and we're so looking forward to playing in front of a packed out Sportsground. We have three back-to-back home games coming up and protecting our unbeaten home record is very important to us."

Zebre meanwhile travel to Ireland without 13 players who are on international duty with Italy.

The two sides have met on eight previous occasions, 4 in the PRO12 and 4 in the European Cup, with Connacht taking the spoils on each occasion. Only one Italian side has ever won in Galway: Treviso 15-13 in December 2011.

After the defeat of Scarlets at the beginning of November, the Italy's northwest franchise will be in search of first win away from the home crowd of the XXV Aprile Stadium in Parma.

The two-week break was useful to recover some of the players stopped by injuries: Michele Visentin returns to make his first appearance after an injury in pre-season.

At the Sportsground, 7.35pm.
Live on TG4 and Nuvolari
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 1st competition game)
Assistant Referees: Andy Brace, Olly Hodges (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Wayne Sheridan (IRFU)
TMO: Jude Quinn (IRFU)