CONNACHT HAVE MADE four changes to the side that hammered Zebre last weekend as they travel to Newport to face the Dragons on Saturday (8pm, RTÉ Two/Premier Sports 2).
Denis Buckley, Gavin Thornbury, Cian Prendergast and Tiernan O’Halloran all come into the westerners’ starting XV, while the fit-again Dylan Tierney-Martin is set for his first action in three months off the bench at Rodney Parade.
Buckley comes in at loosehead, with Jordan Duggan — who started in Galway last weekend — not involved in the matchday squad.
Thornbury replaces Niall Murray at lock, who also misses out on a place in the 23.
Prendergast starts at eight, with Shamus Hurley-Langton and Conor Oliver retaining their places in the back row and Seán O’Brien dropping out.
Shane Jennings, one of four Connacht players to pen a new contract this week, shifts from fullback to the right wing, with O’Halloran returning at 15 and Andrew Smith not involved against the Welsh region.
Pete Wilkins has again opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, where Caolin Blade and Cathal Forde will cover the backs while Matthew Devine and JJ Hanrahan continue as the starting half-back pairing. Jack Carty was ruled out earlier in the week with a minor hamstring problem but is expected to be available for Connacht’s trip to Thomond Park to face Munster in a fortnight’s time.
“We’ve had a great training week so everyone’s fully prepared and ready to go,” said Connacht boss Wilkins. “Rodney Parade is always a tough place for visiting teams and we’re fully aware of the importance of us getting a win in the context of the overall season.
“With Denis, Gavin, Cian and Tiernan coming in, they bring added experience and leadership which is needed in these type of games. Combined with a consistent selection across the rest of the 23 I’m confident we have a squad capable of coming home with the win.”
Connacht (v Dragons)
15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Shane Jennings
13. Tom Farrell
12. Bundee Aki
11. John Porch
10. JJ Hanrahan
9. Matthew Devine
1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Joe Joyce
5. Gavin Thornbury
6. Shamus Hurley-Langton
7. Conor Oliver
8. Cian Prendergast
Replacements:
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin
17. Peter Dooley
18. Sam Illo
19. Oisín Dowling
20. Jarrad Butler
21. Caolin Blade
22. Cathal Forde
23. Paul Boyle
While I’ve been quick to say he hasn’t impressed me at all in some aspects of his play, no denying he has been a great addition. Carty can be up and down with form and fitness and, save a purple patch by Conor Fitzgerald in the middle of 19/20, has had to play when he could do with a break for physical and mental form. Like Carty was flogged last year when Hawkshaw and Fitz were injured, but there was no real alternative. Having someone of Hanrahan’s level there too is great, and I was delighted when he signed.
He also has strengths that you could question Carty can be weak on. While I critique JJ’s attack-manship, another side of that very coin could argue unlike Carty, who seems to put the whole weight and responsiblity of Connacht’s whole attack on his shoulders, JJ is great in trying to utilise playmakers in the centre and SH. As well as having some days where his boot is almost laser guided.
With all respect to himself and Carty though. Post 2025 Connacht need to have a new 10 making strides. Perhaps Harry West or Sean Naughton (who looks like a superstar) can step up? If not maybe look at the 4th or 5th choice in Leinster? Prendergast, Tector, etc.
@David Hickey: Where is Conor Fitzgerald?