Connacht Restructures Squad for Leinster Clash at Dexcom Stadium
Connacht host Leinster in a United Rugby Championship derby at the Dexcom Stadium on Friday, October 30, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm. Head coach Stuart Lancaster has made twelve changes to his starting XV following last week’s win over Zebre.
Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster has made a dozen changes to the side that beat Zebre Parma 48-27 last weekend, retaining only Finlay Bealham, Paul Boyle, and Cathal Forde for the first home interpro derby of the season. The team enters the fixture on a 13-game losing streak against Leinster that dates back to January 2021. Lancaster acknowledged the challenge facing his squad as they look to end that drought. “It’s winnable, but equally we are very respectful of the quality of the opposition we’re playing against,” Lancaster said. “The challenge for us is to narrow the gap between us and them and make sure we put our best foot forward.”
Squad Changes and Milestone Appearances in Galway
Josh Ioane shifts to full-back for Connacht, with Shayne Bolton, John Devine, and Daniel Ryan rounding out the outside backs. Sean Naughton and Caolin Blade form the half-back pairing, while an experienced front row of Francois van Wyk, Dave Heffernan, and Bealham start together for the first time. The forward pack is completed by Josh Murphy, David O’Connor, Sean O’Brien, Will Connors, and captain Paul Boyle at number eight. Among the replacements, lock Niall Murray is in line to make his 100th appearance for his home province from the bench, joined by former Leinster player Jerry Cahir. Leinster has called upon Jordan Larmour and Max Deegan in their matchday 23, with Deegan captaining the side from the blindside flank. Larmour returns from a calf injury to feature on the left wing, while Connor Fahy makes his debut at outside centre alongside Charlie Tector. Joey Carbery partners Fintan Gunne at half-back.
Defeats for Ulster, Connacht and Leinster so far in the opening round of the URC.It’s all down to Munster now to avoid a rare winless weekend for Ireland in the league.They host Glasgow at Thomond Park this evening.
— https://x.com/simonrug/status/2103840058390311085
Munster and Ulster Matchday Preparations
Munster host the Sharks at Thomond Park on Saturday at 5.30pm. Academy centre Gordon Wood will make his first start for Munster, and Jack O’Donoghue captains the team. Ulster welcomes back Rob Herring and James Hume for their fixture against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday at 12.45pm Irish time. Both players make their first appearances of the season following injury recoveries. David McCann captains the side from the openside flank, with Juarno Augustus starting at number eight against his former club, and Matthew Devine pairing with Jack Murphy at half-back.
Frequently Asked Questions About the URC Fixtures
Where can spectators watch the Connacht and Leinster fixture?
The match takes place at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway on Friday, October 30, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
How many changes did Connacht make for this weekend?
Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster made 12 changes to his starting XV from the side that defeated Zebre Parma, retaining only Finlay Bealham, Paul Boyle, and Cathal Forde.
When was Connacht’s last victory against Leinster?
Connacht’s last win against their provincial rivals came in January 2021, marking a 13-game losing streak heading into Friday’s match.