Mack Hansen returns to the Connacht side for tomorrows URC interpro derby with Leinster at a sold-out Sportsground.
The winger is among seven players who come into the starting XV from last week’s defeat in South Africa.
There’s an all-new front row of Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier. Whereas, Cian Prendergast comes back into the side at blindside flanker.
Oisin Dowling Makes his 50th appearance, moving to the second row to play alongside Darragh Murray. While Seamus Hurley-Langton and number 8 Sean Jansen complete the pack.
Scrum-half Caolin Blade captains the side while JJ Hanrahan is selected at out-half.
Byron Ralston moves from the wing to outside centre where he’s partnered with Cathal Forde. Whereas Hansen, Diarmuid Kilgallen and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran complete the back three.
“Leinster at The Sportsground is one of the marquee games you look forward to every season” says head coach Pete Wilkins.
“You can feel the buzz of anticipation both among the squad and supporters, and with a sold-out crowd behind us it’ll be a fantastic occasion.
“We’re very aware of Leinster’s strengths and the challenge they’ll pose, but we’re also confident in our abilities and the game-plan we’ve put together”.
“Mack’s return is a timely boost and it’s a 23 I think are well capable of a victory, while also taking into account the short turnaround into Champions Cup next Friday."
There’s another 6:2 split on the bench, including Paul Boyle who could feature for the first time this season. Scrum-half Michael McDonald who will make his debut if called upon.
Connacht: 15. Tiernan O’Halloran, 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Byron Ralston, 12. Cathal Forde, 11. Diarmuid Kilgallen, 10. JJ Hanrahan, 9. Caolin Blade, 1. Peter Dooley, 2. Dave Heffernan, 3. Jack Aungier, 4. Darragh Murray, 5. Oisin Dowling, 6. Cian Prendergast, 7. Shamus Hurley-Langton, 8. Seán Jansen.
Replacements: 16. Dylan Tierney-Martin, 17. Denis Buckley, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. Niall Murray, 20. Paul Boyle, 21. Michael McDonald, 22. David Hawkshaw, 23. Conor Oliver,
Connacht v Leinster
Saturday 2nd December
The Sportsground, Kick-off: 19:35
