By:
Conor Martin
Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed his matchday squad for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship encounter to Zebre Parma in Italy.
The western province have made five changes to the starting XV Lancaster freshens things up following last week’s historic meeting with Leinster at Dexcom Stadium.
The side that beat them last weekend and their fellow Irishmen are also in action this weekend and have named their team ahead of a tricky test against Edinburgh.
Three of those changes are enforced, with Billy Bohan, Darragh Murray and Cian Prendergast all unavailable for selection.
Their absence sees Jordan Duggan, Niall Murray and Sean O’Brien step into the starting lineup, each handed an opportunity to make an impact in Parma. Duggan comes into the back row, Murray slots into the engine room, while O’Brien is named among the forwards as Connacht look to maintain their physical edge.
There are two further alterations in the pack and backline. Jack Aungier is selected at tighthead prop in place of the injured Sam Illo, adding experience and solidity in the front row, while Chay Mullins comes in on the left wing as Connacht look to inject pace and threat out wide.
Beyond those changes, there is plenty of continuity from last week’s side. Dylan Tierney-Martin once again starts at hooker, while Josh Murphy retains his place in the second row.
https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/2017204918424084558
Powerful pair can help Lancaster’s men complete Italian job
Captain Paul Boyle leads the side from the back row, where he is partnered by Sean Jansen, continuing a combination that has brought energy and work rate in recent outings.
In the backs, Caolin Blade and Josh Ioane continue their half-back partnership at scrum-half and out-half respectively, providing tempo and control.
The midfield pairing of Cathal Forde and Harry West is also unchanged, offering creativity and defensive cohesion in the centre channel.
The back three is completed by in-form winger Shane Jennings and full-back Sam Gilbert, who both impressed in recent performances and will again be key attacking outlets.
The replacements bench features a strong mix of experience and youth, with three Academy players included. Matthew Victory, Fiachna Barrett and Sean Naughton are all named among the substitutes, underlining Connacht’s commitment to developing emerging talent.
Oisin McCormack is also included in a matchday squad for the first time this season and will wear the number 23 jersey, as Connacht opt for a 6–2 split between forwards and backs on the bench.
Lancaster will be hoping the blend of continuity and fresh energy can deliver a strong performance as Connacht aim to build momentum on the road.
Connacht team to play Zebre:
Connacht: Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings, Harry West, Cathal Forde, Chay Mullins, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Jordan Duggan, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jack Aungier, Josh Murphy, Joe Joyce, Paul Boyle (C), Sean O’Brien and Sean Jansen
Replacements: Matthew Victory, Peter Dooley, Fiachna Barrett, David O’Connor, Niall Murray, Ben Murphy, Sean Naughton and Oisín McCormack
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