Returning Lions Hansen, Bealham and Aki start for Connacht in Bulls clash 

BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN: Connacht pair Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster has named Ireland and Lions trio Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham and Bundee Aki to start in Friday’s United Rugby Championship meeting with the Bulls at Dexcom Stadium (kick-off, 7.45pm).

Aki and Bealham play in their usual inside centre and tighthead prop positions respectively, while Hansen lines out at full-back.

Cian Prendergast again captains the side and moves to openside flanker, with Josh Murphy on the opposite flank and Sean Jansen at number 8. 

Darragh Murray and David O’Connor make up the engine room, while prop Peter Dooley and hooker Dave Heffernan complete the forwards.

In the backs, scrum-half Caolin Blade and out-half Josh Ioane return, as does Byron Ralston at outside centre to partner Aki. 

Completing the side are wingers Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins.

Missing out due to injury are Denis Buckley (hamstring), Paul Boyle (shoulder) and Shamus Hurley-Langton (shoulder) - with all three to be further evaluated next week – along with longer-term absentees Temi Lasisi (knee), Oisín Dowling (knee) and Niall Murray (ankle).

Lancaster said: "The Bulls are a formidable side, with a strong blend of power up front and pace in the back field. They were URC finalists for a reason last year, and we’re expecting a response after their defeat in Ulster last week. 

"With the fans behind us, three returning Lions and a much-improved performance, it should make for a great game."

Connacht: Mack Hansen, Chay Mullins, Byron Ralston, Bundee Aki, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, David O'Connor, Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast (C), Sean Jansen.

Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Joe Joyce, Sean O'Brien, Matthew Devine, Sean Naughton, Cathal Forde.

Bulls: Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Sebastian de Klerk, Keagan Johannes, Paul de Wet, Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, Cobus Wiese, Reinhardt Ludwig (C), Nama Xaba, JJ Theron, Jeandre Rudolph.

Replacements: Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, Francois Klopper, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Mpilo Gumede, Embrose Papier, Harold Vorster, Stravino Jacobs.