Jack Carty returns as Connacht face Bulls in Pretoria

Jack Carty returns for Connacht as Pete Wilkins makes six changes for tomorrow's game against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.

Carty comes in at out-half and will captain the side at Loftus Versfeld. Whereas, Denis Buckley, Tadgh McElroy and Finlay Bealham remain in the front three. There's a change in the second row with Darragh Murray joining Joe Joyce.

It's a brand new back row with Oisin Dowling moving from lock to blindside. Shamus Hurley-Langton starts at openside and Sean Jansen is set to make his debut wearing the number eight.

Meanwhile, there are three changes in the backs including the return of Jack Carty. Whereas, playing alongside Carty at scrum-half is Colm Reilly.

Indeed, Diarmuid Kilgallen joins Byron Ralston and Tiernan O'Halloran in the back three, David Hawkshaw will partner Cathal Forde at 12. Connacht are fifth in the URC, having beaten the Sharks last weekend.

“To play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld is one of the great experiences in world rugby” said Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins.

Big Challenge awaits

“Although it shapes to be a big challenge our entire squad is excited and ready to go” added Wilkins.

“I am pleased with the momentum we have built in this early part of the URC season. Our previous performance against the Sharks, whilst not perfect, was another significant step in the development of our team, demonstrating that we can find a way to win in tough and unfamiliar environments away from home”.

“The selection changes we have made reflect the importance of taking some fresh legs to Pretoria”.

“Both Sean Jansen and David Hawkshaw deserve their first opportunities in the starting lineup and will no doubt make significant contributions to what will need to be a relentless and physical twenty-three man performance.”

Connacht: 15. Tiernan O’Halloran, 14. Byron Ralston, 13. David Hawkshaw, 12. Cathal Forde, 11. Diarmuid Kilgallen, 10. Jack Carty (C), 9. Colm Reilly, 1. Denis Buckley, 2. Tadgh McElroy, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. Darragh Murray, 5. Joe Joyce, 6. Oisin Dowling, 7. Shamus Hurley-Langton, 8. Sean Jansen.

Replacements: 16. Dylan Tierney-Martin, 17. Peter Dooley, 18. Sam Illo, 19. Niall Murray, 20. Sean O'Brien, 21. Caolin Blade, 22. JJ Hanrahan, 23. Conor Oliver