Mayo man among Irish internationals returning for Connacht
Six Connacht players who were with the Ireland squad in November have come into the starting line-up for tomorrow’s interpro with Munster in Limerick (k.o. 7.35 p.m).
Among them is Mayo man Dave Heffernan in addition to Finlay Bealham, Gavin Thornbury, Cian Prendergast, Caolin Blade and Bundee Aki, all of whom are named in the starting line-up as the squad aims to make it three straight wins in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Denis Buckley joins Heffernan and Bealham in the front row while Josh Murphy is selected alongside Thornbury in the second row. Prendergast is named at blindside flanker, with Conor Oliver at openside and Jarrad Butler at number eight.
Captain Jack Carty continues at out-half while Tom Farrell partners Aki in the centre. The side is completed by wingers Alex Wootton and Byron Ralston, and full-back John Porch.
On the bench there’s a notable return for Shane Delahunt, who has recovered from an eight-month injury layoff for a potential first appearance of the season. The management team have opted for a 6:2 split, meaning Niall Murray, Oisin Dowling and Paul Boyle could all be called upon.
Commenting on the team selection, director of rugby Andy Friend said: “Everyone had 10 days off after the Ospreys game, which I think was needed for coaches and players. Now that we have everyone back it's all eyes on Munster for the start of an important 10-week block for us, and we’re well positioned for these games going forward.”
Friend added: “Munster away at Thomond Park is never an easy task but I thought we were close last year and the previous year we won there. You can’t just rock up to Thomond and think you’re going to win; you’ve got to work your backside off and bring an element of physicality along with accuracy in what you are doing.”
The Connacht matchday team to face Munster is: John Porch, Byron Ralston, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Alex Wootton, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade, Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Josh Murphy, Gavin Thornbury, Cian Prendergast, Conor Oliver, Jarrad Butler.
The replacements are: Shane Delahunt, Peter Dooley, Jack Aungier, Niall Murray, Oisín Dowling, Kieran Marmion, Conor Fitzgerald and Paul Boyle.