CONNACHT HAVE BEEN boosted by the return of in-form centre Bundee Aki for their crunch Pro12 showdown with Glasgow at the Sportsground on Saturday (kick-off 15.00, TG4).
The 26-year-old former Waikato Chief, has played 25 times for Connacht this season and scored five tries, but was injured during Connacht’s inter-provincial victory over Munster last month.
He was subsequently ruled out of last week’s 22 – 21 defeat against Treviso in Stadio Monigo with a knee injury. But he is now back available for selection, as Connacht know victory will be enough to give them a priceless home Pro12 play-off semi-final.
“It’s a big boost, we all saw what happened. He’s a tough character. He was even trying to get to Treviso even though he couldn’t train.
Advertisement
“It’s a good boost that’s he’s there,” said Connacht coach Pat Lam.
Defeat in Italy was Connacht’s third loss in four outings, after they lost to Ulster in the Pro12 on 1 April and Grenoble knocked them out of the Challenge Cup quarter-final.
They are all already guaranteed their first ever Pro12 play-off semi-final, but a win against Glasgow would give them crucial home advantage in the final four.
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Free-scoring wing Matt Healy has returned from a minor back injury that he picked up in training and kept him out of the Treviso game.
Lam remains hopeful that loosehead prop Denis Buckley may make a return for the Pro12 play-offs, but both he and tighthead Nathan White remain unavailable this week. White hasn’t featured since he was concussed against Leinster in March.
Craig Ronaldson is due to take part in a full training session later this week after his ankle injury, while wing Danie Poolman has resumed light running as he attempts to rehab his foot injury.
Originally published 14.59
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
Aki and Healy return to help Connacht bounce back against reigning champs Glasgow
Updated 16.14
CONNACHT HAVE BEEN boosted by the return of in-form centre Bundee Aki for their crunch Pro12 showdown with Glasgow at the Sportsground on Saturday (kick-off 15.00, TG4).
The 26-year-old former Waikato Chief, has played 25 times for Connacht this season and scored five tries, but was injured during Connacht’s inter-provincial victory over Munster last month.
He was subsequently ruled out of last week’s 22 – 21 defeat against Treviso in Stadio Monigo with a knee injury. But he is now back available for selection, as Connacht know victory will be enough to give them a priceless home Pro12 play-off semi-final.
“It’s a good boost that’s he’s there,” said Connacht coach Pat Lam.
Defeat in Italy was Connacht’s third loss in four outings, after they lost to Ulster in the Pro12 on 1 April and Grenoble knocked them out of the Challenge Cup quarter-final.
They are all already guaranteed their first ever Pro12 play-off semi-final, but a win against Glasgow would give them crucial home advantage in the final four.
Free-scoring wing Matt Healy has returned from a minor back injury that he picked up in training and kept him out of the Treviso game.
Lam remains hopeful that loosehead prop Denis Buckley may make a return for the Pro12 play-offs, but both he and tighthead Nathan White remain unavailable this week. White hasn’t featured since he was concussed against Leinster in March.
Craig Ronaldson is due to take part in a full training session later this week after his ankle injury, while wing Danie Poolman has resumed light running as he attempts to rehab his foot injury.
Originally published 14.59
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
Connacht confirm signing of fullback Kelleher from Leinster
Ex-Leinster lock Flanagan joins Premiership powerhouse Saracens
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
bundee aki Bundee Jump Connacht Pro12 Glasgow Warriors