Connacht have made six changes from the side that started the narrow URC defeat to Ulster for the New Year’s Day clash with Munster.
Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Joe Joyce, Jarrad Butler, JJ Hanrahan and Cathal Forde coming into the starting XV.
Caolin Blade captains the side from scrum-half. Whereas, the management team have opted for a 6:2 split on the bench. The fit-again Oisín Dowling included as well as Niall Murray and Conor Oliver.
Also among the replacements is club captain Jack Carty.
“Munster arrive at the Sportsground as URC champions so we are fully aware of their quality and the challenge that awaits us” said Connacht, head coach Pete Wilkins.
“However we have been steadily improving different aspects of our game over the last few weeks and arrive ourselves with enormous determination to turn around our recent run of results”.
“Every interpro is a massive occasion, but a sold-out Sportsground on New Year’s Day will make the game even more special for the 23 we have picked to represent us this week”.
“Everyone involved can’t wait to get out there and deliver a big performance for our supporters.”
Connacht: 15. Mack Hansen, 14. Byron Ralston, 13. Cathal Forde, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. Shayne Bolton, 10. JJ Hanrahan, 9. Caolin Blade (C), 1. Peter Dooley, 2. Dave Heffernan, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. Darragh Murray, 5. Joe Joyce, 6. Cian Prendergast, 7. Shamus Hurley-Langton, 8. Jarrad Butler.
Replacements: 16. Dylan Tierney-Martin, 17. Denis Buckley, 18. Jack Aungier, 19. Niall Murray, 20. Oisín Dowling, 21. Michael McDonald, 22. Jack Carty, 23. Conor Oliver
Connacht v Munster
Monday 1st January 2024
The Sportsground, Kick-off: 15:00
Referee: Chris Busby
