Hansen set to make first appearance vs Leinster

December 01, 2023
1430
Ultimate Rugby

Mack Hansen will make his first Connacht appearance of the season in tomorrow’s BKT URC interpro with Leinster at a sold-out Sportsground (k/o 7.35pm).

The winger is among seven players who come into the starting XV from last week. 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 50^thappearance 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.

Commenting ahead of the game, head coach Pete Wilkins says:

“Leinster at The Sportsground is one of the marquee games you look forward to every season. 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.

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, 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 2^nd December 2023 @ The Sportsground

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)