Ireland Internationals Rejoin Connacht Team for Leinster Match

Ireland internationals Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, and Finlay Bealham have rejoined the Connacht team for their United Rugby Championship fixture against Leinster on Saturday (17:30 GMT). This trio of international players had been rested from Connacht’s Challenge Cup matches following their participation in Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series. Connacht will compete against a significantly altered Leinster side, as only All Blacks standout Jordie Barrett and Jimmy O’Brien are retained from the team that secured an Investec Champions Cup victory over Clermont last week. Barrett, who is making his debut URC appearance, will shift from full-back to inside centre, while O’Brien transitions from the wing to full-back. Ross Byrne has been recalled to play fly-half, with Sam Prendergast being rested, and two-time World Cup winning Springbok second row RG Snyman is set to make his initial start since October. Leinster, who currently lead the URC standings, have maintained an undefeated record throughout their seven matches this season. Connacht, conversely, is positioned eighth, having achieved three wins and sustained four losses, which includes a 33-12 defeat against Leo Cullen’s team in October. Leinster: J O’Brien; A Arenzana-King, C Tector, J Barrett, A Osborne; R Byrne, L McGrath; J Boyle, G McCarthy, R Slimani; D Mangan, RG Snyman; A Soroka, S Penny, J Conan (capt). Replacements: L Barron, M Milne, C Healy, B Deeny, R Baird, J Gibson-Park, H Byrne, M Deegan. Connacht: P O’Conor; M Hansen, C Forde, B Aki, S Jennings; J Ioane, B Murphy; D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham; J Murphy, D Murray; C Prendergast (capt) S Hurley-Langton, P Boyle. Replacements: D Tierney-Martin, J Duggan, J Aungier, O Dowling, S Jansen, C Blade, S Cordero, C Oliver.