Connacht make nine changes from the side that lost to Ulster

September 23, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

The Connacht side has been named ahead of tomorrow’s clash with reigning BKT URC champions DHL Stormers in Stellenbosch (k/o 1.30pm Irish time).

In total there are nine changes from the side that lost to Ulster, with six of those among the forwards. There’s a new front row of Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Finlay Bealham, and a new second row partnership of Niall Murray and Josh Murphy who moves from blindside flanker.

Cian Prendergast and captain for the day Jarrad Butler come onto the flanks with Paul Boyle retained at number 8.

Caolin Blade is named at scrum-half with out-half Conor Fitzgerald for company, while the back line includes starts for Mack Hansen and Oran McNulty. Hansen starts on the left wing with John Porch on the opposite wing and McNulty at full-back, while the centre partnership consists of Tom Farrell and Byron Ralston.

The squad arrived in Cape Town on Tuesday and today travel to Stellenbosch where the game will take place. The squad will remain there until Thursday when they fly to Pretoria for the next week’s game with the Vodacom Bulls.

Commenting on the team announcement, Director of Rugby Andy Friend says:

‘We’ve had a positive week so far in South Africa. After arriving on Tuesday, we’ve managed to get the required training done and we’re in a good space heading into our game against the Stormers.

I don’t believe that our performance against Ulster was reflective of all the hard work we’d put in during pre-season, and I’m very confident that we’ll deliver a much improved performance on Saturday against last year’s champions."

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY SQUAD VS DHL STORMERS

Saturday 24th September 2022, 13:30 Irish time / 14:30 South Africa time @ Danie Craven Stadium

Number/Name/Caps

15. Oran McNulty (9)

14. John Porch (60)

13. Byron Ralston (1)

12. Tom Farrell (80)

11. Mack Hansen (14)

10. Conor Fitzgerald (54)

9. Caolin Blade (151)

1. Denis Buckley (209)

2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (7)