Friend rings the changes for Connacht's clash in Johannesburg

Connacht boss Andy Friend has rung the changes for his side’s encounter with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday. 

Connacht have had a tough fortnight, losing out to fellow Irish outfit Leinster twice. 

In another intriguing move, Friend has opted for a positional switch which sees Mack Hansen don the number 15 jersey in place of Tiernan O’Hallornan. 

Elsewhere in the backs, the return of Tom Daly to the midfield sees Bundee Aki shift to the outside centre channel.  

The pack sees a massive five changes with Denis Buckley and Jack Aungier taking over the propping duties, Oisin Dowling and Niall Murray packing down in the engine room and Paul Doyle deployed at number 8. Connacht will need a big effort from their forwards if they wish to compete with their burly South African counterparts. 

This from Andy Friend: 

”We’ve had a really good week so far in South Africa, and while the disappointment of last week still lingers, there’s still a great sense of optimism in the group that we can finish these last few games on a high. 

“This game brings additional challenges like the altitude, and the results so far have shown how difficult it is for European teams to get a win down here. The Lions have a strong scrum and pacey wingers so it’s up to us to not give them any footholds in the game and to take our chances when we get them.”