Connacht head coach Andy Friend has made six changes to the side which was beaten at home by Leinster last for their must-win game against Benetton at the Stadio Monigo on Saturday (kick-off 12pm Irish time), recalling Irish internationals Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham, although Bundee Aki has not been named.
Matthew Burke replaces the injured Denis Buckley at loosehead prop, while Leva Fifita comes in to the secondrow, Paul Boyle is recalled at number ‘8’ and Sammy Arnold is re-instated in midfield.
Connacht have been boosted by the return of long-term absentees Gavin Thornbury and Dylan Tierney-Martin to their replacements. Thornbury, who was one of Connacht’s stand-out players last season, has yet to play this season due to a long-term shoulder injury. Similarly Tierney-Martin has been absent for four months following a hamstring injury in …
- April 2, 2022
