Bundee Aki returns to the Connacht team for tomorrow’s URC clash away to the Scarlets in Llanelli.
Bundee Aki comes straight into the team for his first appearance of the season. Last year's World Player of the Year nominee is named at inside-centre. Cathal Forde moving to 13 and Piers O’Conor shifting to the wing.
Jack Carty also comes into the team for the first time this campaign, replacing Josh Ioane at out-half. Ioane continues his graduated return to play protocols.
The bench sees the inclusion of prop Temi Lasisi who could make his debut if called upon. Shayne Bolton who has recovered from the injury he sustained against Munster.
“Llanelli is always tough place to go for visiting teams says head coach Pete Wilkins. “So whilst respecting the Scarlets’ strengths we must make every effort to impose our game and take our opportunities when they arise”.
“In Bundee and Jack we have two senior players coming into the starting line-up with a wealth of experience and quality. It says a lot about the strength of the squad this year that we’re able to bring in players of that calibre”.
“We will need to perform at our best to get a result and everyone is looking forward to the challenge.”
Connacht: 15. Santiago Cordero, 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Cathal Forde, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. Piers O'Conor, 10. Jack Carty, 9. Ben Murphy, 1. Denis Buckley, 2. Dave Heffernan, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. Niall Murray, 5. David O’Connor, 6. Josh Murphy, 7. Conor Oliver, 8. Cian Prendergast (C).
Replacements: 16. Dylan Tierney-Martin, 17. Peter Dooley, 18. Temi Lasisi, 19. Oisín Dowling, 20. Paul Boyle, 21. Caolin Blade, 22. David Hawkshaw, 23. Shayne Bolton.
Connacht v Scarlets
Friday 4th October
Parc y Scarlets, Kick-off: 19:35
