Connacht have made four changes to their starting XV and included Cian Prendergast and Bundee Aki on the bench for a vital United Rugby Championship encounter as Glasgow travel south with a depleted squad
Connacht have made four changes to their starting XV as they prepare to face league leaders Glasgow Warriors at Dexcom Stadium (kick-off 15:00). A short squad break has refreshed bodies and minds ahead of a busy run of fixtures, and limited tickets remain for Saturday’s Origins Round clash.
The visitors arrive without a number of internationals away on Six Nations duty, handing Connacht a clear chance to push for the top end of the United Rugby Championship table. Glasgow’s depth will be tested; Connacht will be looking to seize the opportunity at home.
What’s new in the team
– The pack sees reinforcements: props Denis Buckley and the fit-again Sam Illo are back to shore up the scrum, while lock David O’Connor returns to strengthen the lineout.
– Finn Treacy has been added on the wing to bring extra pace and width.
– The spine remains intact — Josh Ioane and Caolin Blade keep the half-back combination, with Cathal Forde, Harry West and Sam Gilbert holding the back-three and midfield continuity.
Bench and tactics
Connacht’s replacements blend experience and youth. Ireland internationals Cian Prendergast and Bundee Aki are on the bench, with Prendergast coming back from Six Nations involvement and Aki available again after suspension. Academy front-rowers Billy Bohan and Matthew Victory cover the tight five, and Jack Carty provides an experienced game-manager option if needed.
Those selections point to a game plan built around set-piece security, territorial control through the half-backs, and the ability to finish off chances out wide. Expect Connacht to press their scrum and lineout advantages early and use the bench to maintain intensity into the last 20 minutes.
Injuries and availability
A few players are absent through international call-ups and injuries — Finlay Bealham is among those on national duty. Illo and O’Connor’s returns have been managed carefully; the medical team will continue staged reintegration to avoid setbacks during this congested spell.
Origins Round and matchday
Origins Round brings extra colour: players will wear socks representing their former clubs and schools, celebrating the pathways that feed provincial rugby. The club is urging fans to recreate a loud home atmosphere; crowd energy at Dexcom Stadium could prove decisive in a tight game. Tickets are scarce and only available via the club’s official channels.
Coach’s view
Lancaster stressed belief in the squad while acknowledging the challenge ahead. “We’re under no illusions that we’ve a big task ahead of us. Glasgow have won nine on the bounce and are very well coached,” he said. If they get their set-piece right and keep up the intensity for the full 80 minutes, they’ll be well placed to trouble a depleted Glasgow side.
