Three changes for Connacht as Ulster come to visit

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has named his side for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship interpro against Ulster at a sold-out Dexcom Stadium. Kick-off in the Galway venue is at 7.35 p.m.

The coaching team has made just three changes to the starting XV, all of which are in the backs.

There’s a new half-back pairing of Caolin Blade and Jack Carty, and Santiago Cordero comes into the left-wing position.

The pack is unchanged, so the experienced front row of Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham start again, as does the second row of Josh Murphy and Darragh Murray.

Cian Prendergast captains the side from blindside flanker, with Shamus Hurley-Langton on the other side and Paul Boyle at number eight.

Bundee Aki and Cathal Forde continue at 12 and 13 respectively, while Mack Hansen starts from the right wing and Piers O’Conor is at full-back.

The 6:2 split on the bench also continues, with Peter Dooley returning from injury to start as replacement loosehead prop, and Conor Oliver again wearing the 23 jersey.

Ahead of the game, head coach Pete Wilkins said: “We’re aware this is an important game in the context of our overall season in the URC. With Caolin, Jack and Santi coming in, they bring a huge amount of experience, but otherwise we have that consistency of selection from last week.

“Christmas interpros at Dexcom are always great occasions, and with a sold-out crowd behind us I know they will back the group all the way.”

The Connacht starting XV in full is: Piers O’Conor, Mack Hansen, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Santiago Cordero, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Josh Murphy, Darragh Murray, Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Paul Boyle.

The replacements' bench features: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Jack Aungier, Oisín Dowling, Sean Jansen, Ben Murphy, Shane Jennings, Conor Oliver.