Connacht have named their squad for Friday’s Champions Cup opener against Bordeaux at home in the Sportsground.
Bundee Aki will be making his first start of the season for Connacht after returning from international duty and a hamstring injury.
Connacht will face off against Bordeaux on their home turf on Friday evening, with kick-off at 8pm Irish time.
Commenting ahead of the game, head coach Pete Wilkins says, “Champions Cup nights at The Sportsground are special occasions and we expect Friday to be no different.”
“Of course, there was disappointment with Saturday’s result against Leinster but it shows we have the quality to perform against the best teams in Europe.”
“We used Monday to review and bank the lessons from the game, and the whole squad is excited to get back out in front of another big crowd against another quality opponent.”
Aki’s inclusion is one of five changes from the side that started last week’s game against Leinster, with Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce and Andrew Smith also coming into the starting XV.
Dave Heffernan joins Buckley and Bealham in an experienced front row, while Darragh Murray is retained in the second row.
The back row is unchanged from last week with number 8 Sean Jansen beside flankers Cian Prendergast and Shamus Hurley-Langton.
Caolin Blade and JJ Hanrahan continue their half-back partnership, while the remaining backline is reshuffled.
Cathal Forde moves from 12 to 13 to partner Aki in the centre, while Byron Ralston shifts to the wing and Mack Hansen moves to full-back. Smith completes the side from the opposite wing.
Pete Wilkins cautioned that Bordeaux are sure to come packing some heavy hitters, but added that this is a great chance for Connacht to test their style against a strong oppent.
“Bordeaux will arrive with a star-studded squad and, like many French sides, will have x-factor players who can light up a game if you give them the chance.”
“For us, it is a fantastic opportunity to show we can impose our personalities and style of play against a quality team on the biggest European stage.”
He also praised the level of support always shown by fans at The Sportsground, which gives a huge boost to the side.
“The atmosphere at The Sportsground last week was unbelievable and I’ve no doubt it will be something similar again tomorrow night.”
“Our incredible supporters provide so much energy to the players and we look forward to rewarding them with a massive performance.”
Connacht Rugby V Bordeuax Eagles
20:00, Friday, December 8 @ The Sportsground
15. Mack Hansen (29)
14. Byron Ralston (22)
13. Cathal Forde (19)
12. Bundee Aki (127)
11. Andrew Smith (4)
10. JJ Hanrahan (6)
9. Caolin Blade (177)
1. Denis Buckley (234)
2. Dave Heffernan (184)
3. Finlay Bealham (192)
4. Darragh Murray (14)
5. Joe Joyce (6)
6. Cian Prendergast (53)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (26)
8. Seán Jansen (2)
16. Tadgh McElroy (6)
17. Peter Dooley (24)
18. Jack Aungier (55)
19. Niall Murray (62)
20. Conor Oliver (69)
21. Michael McDonald *
22. David Hawkshaw (19)
23. John Porch (82)
