By Ronan Barrett
Connaught will look to avenge last week’s disappointing 14-8 away defeat to the Cardiff Blues as they welcome the Bulls to the Dexcom Stadium in Round 3 of the United Rugby Championship this Friday, the 17th of October at 7:45 pm.
The Westerners welcome back their Irish internationals from the recent Lions tour in Australia. Mack Hansen starts at full-back, Bundee Aki returns in the centre and Finlay Bealham plays at tight-head prop.
A strong lineup includes Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade and captain Cian Prendergast, while the Bulls have made 11 changes to the lineup that was shocked by Ulster last week.
Connaught have endured a mixed start to the campaign under Stuart Lancaster, opening with an impressive 26-15 win over Benetton of Italy, followed by the defeat to the Blues.
The Bulls picked up where they started last season with a 53-40 win over the Ospreys and a statement-making 39-31 victory over champions Leinster, before last week’s surprising 28-7 defeat to high-flying Uslter.
Recent meetings between the sides have not favoured Connaught. Their last visit to South Africa to face the Bulls resulted in a 53-27 defeat, before a poor display at the Dexcom Stadium saw them slump to a 28-14 loss.
New Connaught boss Lancaster is all too aware of the threat the Bulls present following their 2nd place finish last season.
“The Bulls are a formidable side, with a strong blend of power up front and pace in the back field.
“They were URC finalists for a reason last year, and we’re expecting a response after their defeat in Ulster last week.”
Connaught will take confidence from the defensive frailties the Bulls displayed last week in the Affidea Stadium against Ulster. However, they will need full support from their fans and big performances from their returning Lions if they are to overcome a strong side that have had their number in recent years.