Match Preview: Connacht Rugby v Leinster Rugby

Ireland wing Mack Hansen makes his first appearance of the season for Connacht among seven changes from the side beaten 53-27 by the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend.

Head coach Pete Wilkins commented: “Mack’s return is a timely boost and we are well capable of victory.

“Leinster at the Sportsground is one of the marquee games you look forward to every season. You can feel the buzz of anticipation among both squad and supporters. With a sold-out crowd, it will be a fantastic occasion.”

Scott Penny returns to captain Leinster from the openside flank, while hooker Ronan Kelleher makes his 50th appearance for the province.

Connacht v Leinster

The Sportsground, Galway – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU, 36th league game)

AR 1: Peter Martin (IRFU) AR 2: Keane Davison (IRFU)

TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)

Live on: RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Connacht: Tiernan O’Halloran, Mack Hansen, Byron Ralston, Cathal Forde, Diarmuid Kilgallen, JJ Hanrahan, Caolin Blade (CAPT), Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier, Darragh Murray, Oisin Dowling, Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Seán Jansen

Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Niall Murray, Paul Boyle, Michael McDonald, David Hawkshaw, Conor Oliver

Leinster: Ciarán Frawley, Rob Russell, Robbie Henshaw, Charlie Ngatai, Jamie Osborne, Harry Byrne, Ben Murphy, Ed Byrne, Rónan Kelleher, Michael Ala’alatoa, Ryan Baird, Jason Jenkins, Max Deegan, Scott Penny (CAPT), James Culhane

Replacements: Lee Barron, Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, Ross Molony, Jack Conan, Cormac Foley, Liam Turner, Will Connors