Four changes for Connacht as Benetton visit for BKT URC fixture

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has named his side for the BKT United Rugby Championship fixture with Benetton at Dexcom Stadium today (k.o. 7.35 p.m). The team shows four changes from the side that secured a bonus point victory over Cardiff two weeks ago.

After making his debut off the bench against Glasgow in January, academy winger Finn Treacy is handed his first start on the left wing, while Caolin Blade comes in at scrum-half. The remaining change is a new second-row pairing of Darragh Murray and David O’Connor.

The front row of Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier is unchanged, as is the back row of captain Cian Prendergast, who has recovered from illness, alongside Shamus Hurley-Langton and number eight Paul Boyle.

Josh Ioane continues at out-half, as does the centre pairing of Cathal Forde and Hugh Gavin. The back three is completed by Shayne Bolton and full-back Piers O’Conor.

Among the replacements is Dylan Tierney-Martin, who will make his 50th appearance for his native province if called upon.

Anticipating the clash, Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins said: “This is the second of two games which we knew would put us back into playoff contention if we win them. We got what we needed from Cardiff, so if we can further elevate our performance and pick up another win, we’re right in the mix.

“Benetton are a tough, physical side who have had the better of us the last few years, so if we can front up from the start and get the crowd behind us, we’ll give ourselves every chance.”

The Connacht starting XV is as follows: Piers O’Conor, Shayne Bolton, Hugh Gavin, Cathal Forde, Finn Treacy, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier, Darragh Murray, David O’Connor, Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Paul Boyle.

On the replacements' bench are: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Denis Buckley, Sam Illo, Josh Murphy, Oisín Dowling, Matthew Devine, J.J. Hanrahan, David Hawkshaw.