Mack Hansen is back in the field for Connacht this weekend as he makes his first appearance of the season for the province.
Hansen’s addition to the starting XV is one of seven changes made for Saturday’s interpro game against Leinster in the URC.
Connacht are back on their home turf at the Sportsground this week after returning from a mixed-performance two-game trip to South Africa.
“Leinster at The Sportsground is one of the marquee games you look forward to every season,” Head Coach Pete Wilkins said.
“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.”
There’s an all-new front row of Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier, while Cian Prendergast comes back into the side at blindside flanker.
Making his 50th appearance is Oisin Dowling who moves 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, while Hansen, Diarmuid Kilgallen and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran complete the back three.
There’s another 6:2 split on the bench, including Paul Boyle who could feature for the first time this season, and scrum-half Michael McDonald who will make his debut if called upon.
Wilkins said that they’re well aware of the threat from Leinster, but that Connacht have confidence in their own capabilities, and welcomed the boost from returning internationals.
“We’re very aware of Leinster’s strengths and the challenge they’ll pose, but we’re also confident in our abilities and the gameplan 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.”
With the stadium at maximum capacity for this sold-out game, only supporters with valid match tickets are asked to make their way to the ground.
Supporters have also been reminded to be respectful of local neighbours before and after the game.
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS LEINSTER RUGBY
19:35, Saturday 2nd December 2023 @ The Sportsground
Number/Name/Caps
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (227)
14. Mack Hansen (28)
13. Byron Ralston (21)
12. Cathal Forde (18)
11. Diarmuid Kilgallen (20)
10. JJ Hanrahan (5)
9. Caolin Blade (176)
1. Peter Dooley (23)
2. Dave Heffernan (183)
3. Jack Aungier (54)
4. Darragh Murray (13)
5. Oisin Dowling (49)
6. Cian Prendergast (52)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (25)
8. Seán Jansen (1)
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (29)
17. Denis Buckley (233)
18. Finlay Bealham (191)
19. Niall Murray (61)
20. Paul Boyle (85)
21. Michael McDonald *
22. David Hawkshaw (18)
23. Conor Oliver (68)
