Aki returns as Lancaster makes three changes to Connacht side for Dragons meeting

Bundee Aki of Connacht after the EPCR Challenge Cup match between Ospreys and Connacht. Pic: Kian Abdullah/Sportsfie

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for Saturday’s URC meeting with the Dragons at Rodney Parade (kick-off, 7.45pm).

There are just three changes to the side that comprehensively beat Black Lion in the Challenge Cup last week, with the returning Cian Prendergast, Josh Ioane and Bundee Aki all coming into the side. 

Prendergast and Ioane have recovered from injuries in recent weeks while Aki has returned from a down-week.

Otherwise it’s as selected, meaning a tight five of props Jordan Duggan and Sam Illo, hooker Dave Heffernan, and Roscommon brothers Darragh and Niall Murray in the second row. 

Prendergast comes in at blindside flanker to captain the side, with Sean O’Brien swapping to openside.

Caolin Blade continues at scrum-half, while Cathal Forde moves to outside centre alongside Aki. There’s no change to the back three with full-back Sam Gilbert and wingers Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins all retained.

Among the replacements is Denis Buckley, who if called upon will equal Michael Swift’s 269 appearances for Connacht, putting him joint-second in Connacht’s all-time appearance list, behind only John Muldoon. 

Finlay Bealham is also on the bench having overcome a head injury against Ospreys.

Lancaster said: “Last week was pleasing for a number of reasons, but this is a different type of challenge and an important game in the context of the whole season. 

"With Cian, Bundee and Josh returning we have three experienced players whose leadership will be key in games such as this one. I know from past experience that Rodney Parade is a tough place to go, so we have to produce an 80 minute performance.”

Connacht:

Sam Gilbert, Chay Mullins, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, Niall Murray, Cian Prendergast, Seán O’Brien, Paul Boyle.

Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Josh Murphy, Sean Jansen, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, Hugh Gavin.