Finlay Bealham returns as Connacht go into South Africa

Connacht have made eight changes as Finlay Bealham returns for tomorrow’s meeting with Hollywoodbet Sharks in Durban.

There are two changes in the front row including Bealham, making his first appearance since returning from the World Cup.

Indeed, Oisin Dowling and Joe Joyce are named in the second row. Whereas, the back row is the only unchanged line from last week's game away to Edinburgh. Whereas, Cian Prendergast, captain Conor Oliver and Sean O'Brien all set to start again.

Meanwhile, it's a new half-back pairing starting with Colm Reilly and JJ Hanrahan. Whereas, for the fourth game this season Cathal Forde and Tom Farrell are paired up in the centre. Byron Ralston moves to the wing from centre where he's joined by Andrew Smith and Tiernan O'Halloran in the back three.

South Africa travel

“Any game away in South Africa is a massive challenge” said Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins. “We will be coming up against a highly motivated Sharks team who will relish playing in front of their home crowd for the first time this season”.

“That said, we have travelled and prepared really well for this encounter, and the whole squad is excited by the opportunity in front of us on Saturday”. “The return of Finlay Bealham is timely, he has brought great energy as well as international quality to the group”.

“Elsewhere our team selection represents a blend of those that have delivered significant performances for us across the first four games of the URC season”.

“The quality of our bench will be a crucial element in what we expect to be a physical and fast-paced game in hot conditions.”

Connacht: 15. Tiernan O’Halloran, 14. Byron Ralston, 13. Tom Farrell, 12. Cathal Forde, 11. Andrew Smith, 10. JJ Hanrahan, 9. Colm Reilly, 1. Denis Buckley, 2. Tadgh McElroy, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. Oisín Dowling, 5. Joe Joyce, 6. Cian Prendergast, 7. Conor Oliver (C), 8. Sean O'Brien

Replacements: 16. Dave Heffernan, 17. Peter Dooley, 18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy, 19. Darragh Murray, 20. Shamus Hurley-Langton, 21. Caolin Blade, 22. David Hawkshaw, 23. John Porch,