Three changes to Connacht squad for visit to Dragons
Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has made three changes to his side for the BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with the Dragons at Rodney Parade this evening (Saturday; kick-off 7.45 p.m.).
Coming into the squad that comprehensively beat Black Lion in the Challenge Cup last week are Cian Prendergast, Josh Ioane and Bundee Aki.
Prendergast and Ioane have recovered from injuries in recent weeks, while Aki has returned from a down-week.
Ballina native Dave Heffernan keeps his place in the starting XV but fellow Mayo men Fiachna Barrett and Harry West are not with the squad for this week's encounter.
Heffernan is flanked by Jordan Duggan and Sam Illo in the front row, with Roscommon brothers Darragh and Niall Murray in the second row. Prendergast comes in at blindside flanker to captain the side, with Sean O’Brien swapping to openside.
Caolin Blade continues at scrum-half, while Cathal Forde moves to outside centre alongside Aki. There are no changes in the back three, with full-back Sam Gilbert and wingers Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins keeping their places.
Among the replacements is Denis Buckley. If called upon, Buckley will equal Michael Swift’s 269 appearances for Connacht, putting him joint-second in the all-time appearance list behind only John Muldoon. Finlay Bealham is also on the bench having overcome a head injury against the Ospreys.
Leading up to the game, Lancaster said: “Last week was pleasing for a number of reasons, but this is a different type of challenge and an important game in the context of the whole season. With Cian, Bundee and Josh returning, we have three experienced players whose leadership will be key in games such as this one.
“I know from past experience that Rodney Parade is a tough place to go, so we have to produce an 80-minute performance.”
The Connacht squad in full is as follows: Sam Gilbert, Chay Mullins, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, Niall Murray, Cian Prendergast, Seán O’Brien, Paul Boyle.
On the replacements' bench are: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Josh Murphy, Sean Jansen, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, Hugh Gavin.