Match Preview: Ulster v Connacht

Having started the season so well, Connacht now head to Belfast on the back of four successive defeats in all competitions.

They have conceded 173 points along the way, losing to Vodacom Bulls (53-27) and Leinster (24-22) in the BKT URC and then going down to Bordeaux Begles (41-5) and Saracens (55-36) in the Investec Champions Cup.

So it’s a timely boost for them to have Ireland wing Mack Hansen back from injury for the trip to the Kingspan Stadium.

As for Ulster, they will be in buoyant mood, having claimed a 31-15 Champions Cup victory over star-studded French outfit Racing 92 last weekend.

Second row Kieran Treadwell will make his 150th appearance for the province in a game that is set to be played out in front of a bumper crowd.

Giving his thoughts, Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins said: “Interpro weeks always create a special buzz around the squad and an away game in Belfast is no different.

“Ulster will be high on confidence after their European win last week and will be relishing another game at home.

“We are fully aware of what it takes to compete against them in that environment and everyone is looking forward to the game.”

Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 12th league game)

AR 1: Frank Murphy (IRFU) AR 2: Joy Neville (IRFU)

TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)

Live on: BBC NI, TG4, Viaplay, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

 
Ulster: Mike Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Jake Flannery, John Cooney, Andy Warwick, Tom Stewart, Marty Moore, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (CAPT), Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney

Replacements: John Andrew, Steven Kitshoff, Tom O’Toole, Al O’Connor, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite, Will Addison

Connacht: Mack Hansen, Shayne Bolton, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Byron Ralston, Jack Carty (CAPT), Caolin Blade, Denis Buckley, Tadgh McElroy, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Joe Joyce, Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean O'Brien

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Peter Dooley, Jack Aungier, Gavin Thornbury, Conor Oliver, Michael McDonald, JJ Hanrahan, Shane Jennings