Eoghan Masterson is set to captain Connacht in their Challenge Cup game against Worcester in the Sportsground tomorrow (3pm). The 24-year-old takes his place at number 8 in a back row that includes Eoin McKeon at blindside and James Connolly at openside.
There is also a new-look front row from the team that started the round one bonus point win away to Oyonnax. Denis Buckley comes in at loosehead and Dave Heffernan and Dominic Robertson-McCoy are included at hooker and tighthead respectively. In the backs, Bundee Aki returns to the centre alongside Eoin Griffin in the centre. Tiernan O’Halloran is also back in the side at full back after a brief injury.
Connacht’s record try scorer in European competition Matt Healy, who scored two tries in the opening round, is included in the starting XV.
He spoke to reporters about the challenge that Connacht face tomorrow: “We had a great travelling support last week in Geneva and we were delighted with the bonus point win. So, we had a review of the Oyonnax game and very quickly moved on and started focusing on Worcester. We are delighted to be back in the Sportsground in front of our home support. Worcester will bring a big challenge, they had a good win last week and, like ourselves, will be looking to gain a bit of momentum this weekend.”
#CONvWOR
Kick-off 3.00pm:
(15-9) Tiernan O’Halloran, Darragh Leader, Bundee Aki, Eoin Griffin, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade, (1-8) Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Quinn Roux, James Cannon, Eoin McKeon, James Connolly, Eoghan Masterson (Capt)
Replacements (16-23): Shane Delahunt, Peter McCabe, Conor Carey, Cillian Gallagher, Jarrad Butler, Kieran Marmion, Craig Ronaldson, Cian Kelleher.
