Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham all start as Connacht look to storm The Aviva

Josh Ioane and Piers O’Conor return from injury while the westerners go for a six-tow split on the bench

By: irishmirror.ie

Dec 20 2024
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Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen and Fi

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has named his side for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship game with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium (k/o 5.30pm).

International trio Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, and Finlay Bealham all start for the first time since the November internationals, with two other players named in that Ireland squad - captain Cian Prendergast and Dave Heffernan - also in the starting XV.

Elsewhere, Josh Ioane returns from injury to play for the first time since the end of October – he lines out at out-half with Ben Murphy alongside him at scrum-half.

Denis Buckley completes a vastly experienced front row with Heffernan and Bealham, while Josh Murphy moves to the second row to partner Darragh Murray. The in-form Paul Boyle starts at number eight, with Shamus Hurley-Langton as openside flanker.

In the backs, Cathal Forde moves to the #13 jersey alongside Aki, Piers O’Conor also returns from injury to start at full-back, and winger Shane Jennings completes the side.

The coaching team have opted for a 6:2 split on the bench with Sean Jansen returning from suspension, Santiago Cordero covering the back field and Conor Oliver again wearing #23.

Head coach Pete Wilkins says: “We’re under no illusions as to the task ahead of us, but that makes it all the more exciting. To play a Christmas interpro at the Aviva Stadium against one of the best teams in Europe is a brilliant opportunity to test where we’re at.

"It’s great to have more of our international contingent back, as well as a few players returning from injury, and after the win last weekend we will travel to Dublin with plenty of optimism, albeit conscious of the challenge ahead.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS LEINSTER RUGBY

17:30, Saturday 21st December 2024 @ Aviva Stadium

Number/Name/Caps

15. Piers O’Conor (7)

14. Mack Hansen (36)

13. Cathal Forde (40)

12. Bundee Aki (142)

11. Shane Jennings (17)

10. Josh Ioane (5)

9. Ben Murphy (7)

1. Denis Buckley (256)

2. Dave Heffernan (206)