Connacht name team for Dragons encounter

Andy Friend has made a number of changes to the Connacht team to face Dragons in the URC on Saturday afternoon in the sportsgrounds.

Matthew Burke, Paul Boyle and Ben O’Donnell have been drafted into the starting XV. The remaining backs are unchanged for the third straight game, with Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty at 9 and 10 respectively and Tom Daly and Tom Farrell pairing together at centre.

“Last week was very pleasing not just because of the result, but the performance gave everyone the confidence that we’re heading in the right direction” says head coach Andy Friend.

“We know more than anyone that we now need to replicate that level consistently” added Friend. “Dragons are a tough team to play against and showed that against Leinster last week, so we’ll need to be at the top of our game.”

It’s a first appearance of the season for O’Donnell, who forms an exciting back three with winger Mack Hansen and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran.

Ballinrobe man Matthew Burke comes into the front row with Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham, while locks Oisin Dowling and Ultan Dillane also start together for the third week in a row.

The side is completed by flankers Cian Prendergast and Captain Jarrad Butler, with Boyle wearing the number 8 shirt.

Connacht

15. Tiernan O’Halloran
16. Ben O’Donnell
17. Tom Farrell
18. Tom Daly
19. Mack Hansen
20. Jack Carty
21. Kieran Marmion

1. Matthew Burke
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Oisin Dowling
5. Ultan Dillane
6. Cian Prendergast
7. Jarrad Butler (C)
8. Paul Boyle

Replacement

16. Shane Delahunt
17. Jordan Duggan
18. Jack Aungier
19. Leva Fifita
20. Conor Oliver
21. Caolin Blade
22. Conor Fitzgerald
23. Sammy Arnold

Connacht v Dragons

Saturday 9th October

The Sportsground - 17:15