Connacht are on their travels away from The Sportsground as they aim to keep their good start to the season going against Vodacom Bulls, who will provide a stern challenge. Photo: Sportsfile

Sean Jansen set for Connacht debut in Bulls clash

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Sean Jansen is set to make his Connacht debut as Pete Wilkins makes six changes to the Connacht side which beat the Sharks last weekend in Durban for this Saturday's game against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria (k.o. 3 p.m. Irish time).

Jack Carty comes in at out-half, where he will captain the side at Loftus Versfeld, while the front three remains the same, meaning Denis Buckley, Tadgh McElroy and Finlay Bealham start.

There's a change in the second row where Darragh Murray joins Joe Joyce, and the back row is brand new, with Oisin Dowling moving from lock to blindside, Shamus Hurley-Langton starting at openside and Sean Jansen is making his debut wearing the number eight.

There are three changes in the backs, including the return of Carty. Playing alongside him at scrum-half is Colm Reilly, while Diarmuid Kilgallen joins Byron Ralston and Tiernan O'Halloran in the back three and David Hawkshaw will partner Cathal Forde at 12.

Commenting ahead of the game, head coach Pete Wilkins said: “To play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld is one of the great experiences in world rugby and although it shapes to be a big challenge, our entire squad is excited and ready to go.

“I am pleased with the momentum we have built in this early part of the URC season. Our previous performance against the Sharks, whilst not perfect, was another significant step in the development of our team, demonstrating that we can find a way to win in tough and unfamiliar environments away from home.

“The selection changes we have made reflect the importance of taking some fresh legs to Pretoria whilst also building on some of the combinations that have served us well in recent weeks. Both Sean Jansen and David Hawkshaw deserve their first opportunities in the starting line-up and will no doubt make significant contributions to what will need to be a relentless and physical 23-man performance.”

The Connacht squad in full for the match against Vodacom Bulls on Saturday (November 25) is as follows: Tiernan O’Halloran, Byron Ralston, David Hawkshaw, Cathal Forde, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Jack Carty, Colm Reilly; Denis Buckley, Tadgh McElroy, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Joe Joyce, Oisin Dowling, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen. On the replacements' bench are: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Sean O'Brien, Caolin Blade, J.J. Hanrahan, Conor Oliver.

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