Strong Mayo interest in big clash for Connacht

Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has included Mayo pair Dave Heffernan and Fiachna Barrett in his matchday 23 for the BKT United Rugby Championship interpro against Leinster at Dexcom Stadium.

While another Mayo man, Harry West, misses out through injury, Heffernan takes his place in the starting team, with Barrett named on the bench.

There are a number of changes to the side that beat Zebre last week, with Finlay Bealham, Paul Boyle and Cathal Forde the only players retained.

Heffernan lines out alongside Bealham, with Francois van Wyk completing the front row.

Boyle captains the side at number eight alongside flankers Sean O’Brien and Will Connors, who is making his first start for the club. They line up behind an all-new second row of Josh Murphy and David O’Connor.

There’s a new combo at half-back as well, with Caolin Blade partnering Seán Naughton, who starts his first game of the season.

John Devine starts at outside centre alongside Forde, and there’s a new-look back three of wingers Shayne Bolton, academy prospect Daniel Ryan and Josh Ioane at full-back.

Roscommon native Niall Murray is due to make his 100th appearance for his home province, with the lock named among the replacements.

Commenting on his team selection, Lancaster said: “This is a big day for a few reasons, but above all else it’s a great opportunity to finish the block on a high. We know what’s at stake and the challenge ahead of us, but I can see the progress we’re making each week, and having 12,000 Connacht fans behind us will be a big boost too.

“We’ve 13 players unavailable between internationals and injury, but we’ve put a big emphasise on building squad depth particularly for occasions like this. For a few players it’ll be their first experience of an interpro, but I know they will give their all in what I am sure will be another amazing atmosphere.”

The game kicks off at 7.45 p.m. this evening (Friday) at Dexcom Stadium, Galway. The Connacht starting team in full is: Josh Ioane, Shayne Bolton, John Devine, Cathal Forde, Daniel Ryan, Sean Naughton, Caolin Blade; Francois van Wyk, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Josh Murphy, David O’Connor, Sean O’Brien, Will Connors, Paul Boyle. The replacements are: Matthew Victory, Jerry Cahir, Fiachna Barrett, Niall Murray, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Colm Reilly, Finn Treacy, Sam Gilbert.