Cian Prendergast returns as Connacht make five changes for Challenge Cup quarter-final against Racing 92

Joe Joyce, Denis Buckley, Ben Murphy and Shane Jennings join Prendergast in coming into the starting XV. 

TEAM NEWS: Connacht captain Cian Prendergast is one of five changes Connacht have made to their starting XV. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Connacht captain Cian Prendergast is one of five changes Connacht have made to their starting XV for their EPCR Challenge Cup quater-final clash against Racing 92 on Saturday at the Dexcom Stadium (8pm).

Joe Joyce, Denis Buckley, Ben Murphy and Shane Jennings join Prendergast in coming into the starting side. 

Buckley joins Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham to make up an experienced front row. Josh Murphy moves into the second row to partner Joyce. Prendergast comes in at blindside and joins Shamus Hurley-Langton and Sean Jansen.

Ben Murphy return following surgery on his finger to partner JJ Hanrahan while the centre pairing of Bundee Aki and Hugh Gavin continues. Jennings comes in on the wing alongside Finn Treacy and Mack Hansen.

Peter Dooley returns from injury and is named among the replacements. He is set to make his 50th appearance off the bench.

Scrum and contact coach Cullie Tucker is looking forward to the game against the French side. 

“There’s a great buzz and atmosphere in the camp this week. Knockout rugby is always special, and with a massive French club like Racing coming to visit, and a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, these are exactly the kind of days you want to be involved in.

"Racing are littered with internationals across the squad and are on a good run of form, particularly away from home, so we’re fully aware of the task ahead of us. But the lads have prepared exceptionally well this week and I’m confident they’ll deliver the performance we’ll need to get a result.”

CONNACHT: M Hansen, S Jennings, H Gavin, B Aki, F Treacy, JJ Hanrahan, B Murphy; D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham, J Murphy, J Joyce, C Prendergast (C), S Hurley-Langton, S Jansen.

Replacements: D Tierney-Martin, P Dooley, O Dowling, P Boyle, M Devine, J Ioane, C Forde.

RACING 92: S James, W Naituvi, V Habosi, J Tuisova, M Spring (C), D Lancaster, N Le Garrec; E Ben Arous, D Escobar, D Bamba, B Palu, W Rowlands, M Baudonne, J Kpoku, J Joseph.

Replacements: R Couly, G Gogichashvilli, L Lehopoame, R Taofifenua, S Manyarara, D Taofifenua, O Farrell, H Chavancy.