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Eight new players, including the province’s biggest addition Mils Muliaina, signals Pat Lam’s first full squad selection since taking over the reins from Eric Elwood.

One of Connacht's biggest signings, the double-winning Super 15 captain Craig Clarke, has been forced to quit the game.

Connacht coach Pat Lam insists his players will “front up” for home supporters on Saturday when they entertain Edinburgh in the Rabodirect Pro 12 at the Galway Sportsground (5pm).

Connacht return to action in the Rabodirect Pro 12 on Sunday desperate to refocus on moving up the league table.

It is uncharted waters for Connacht this weekend when they head to England with a place in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals up for grabs. This final pool three fixture at the home of current premiership leaders on Saturday (1.35pm) will decide which of the two teams finishes as runners-up and with it a spot in either the Heineken quarter-finals or the Amlin Cup. Toulouse, with an away fixture to Zebre, are almost guaranteed top spot, but it is all to play for at Allianz Park where favourites Saracens are 5/1 to reach the final of this most prestigious club competition.

Connacht host their final pool game of this season’s Heineken Cup - and possibly their last if participating countries fail to agree on the competition’s future - but Pat Lam’s squad has huge incentive to achieve another victory on Saturday (3.40pm).

Struck by a flu virus just 48 hours before kick-off, and then to be hit by a vengeful Toulouse, Connacht could not repeat their previous heroics in this second of the back-to-back on Saturday evening.

After the highs of European rugby, Connacht are back in the Galway Sportsground on Saturday evening (5pm) fighting to lift themselves off the bottom of the Pro 12 table.

It is one of rugby's greatest upsets. Connacht’s giantkilling of European aristocrats in their own back yard will rank as one of the most significant in the history of the Heineken Cup.

Connacht's win over the most decorated Heineken Cup side ranks as one of the best in the European competition, says Gavin Duffy.