Connacht opened their Champions Cup account in the worst possible fashion at the Sportsground as they were on the wrong end of a 5-41 drubbing at the hands of a very slick Bordeaux Bégles side.
Connacht's start to the season had felt so full of promise leading in to Friday's opener, with bookies favouring them by as much as five points on the handicap. A bright start from the hosts quickly faded after star man Mack Hansen left the field early on with an ankle injury. They follow it up with one of the toughest trips in European Rugby, travelling to Mark McCall's Saracens.
Here's everything you need to know about the match, including how to watch it and when it kicks off.
When is Connacht v Saracens?
Saracens v Connacht kicks off at the StoneX Arena at 1:00pm on Saturday 16th December.
How to Watch Connacht v Saracens
The match is available on TNT Sports with coverage from 12:30pm.
Saracens Team News
Sarries were able to welcome back captain Owen Farrell for their trip to Highveld but with little success. Farrell and Saracens were greeted by a hostile atmosphere and they were beaten handily by 27-16 in energy sapping conditions. The frustrating nature of the performance resulted in very uncharacteristic errors and ill-discipline from the Premiership champions as number 8, Billy Vunipola, unleashed a reckless clear out for which he was sent off. He has been cleared by his citing tribunal this week and is available for Saracens home opener.
U.N.S.T.O.P.P.A.B.L.E.
Not even a tap from Owen Farrell could stop Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie linking up for this beauty ⚡️
Watch the instant highlights ⬇️— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 9, 2023
Saracens boast no fewer than 14 internationals in a matchday squad brimming with star quality. Captain Owen Farrell remains at 10 with Billy Vunipola getting the start at 8. After a tough weekend for the Connacht forward pack, things get no easier this week with England international, Theo Dan and 20 stone Premiership veteran and Samoan international, Logovi'i Mulipola amongst the front row replacements.
Alex Goode, Sean Maitland and Lucio Cinti form a quality back three even in the absence of Elliot Daly. Off the back of massive news this week that English Rugby have given the green light for further subsidising of contracts for Jamie George and Maro Itoje, they both make the start with Itoje accompanied by Samoan star lock, Theo McFarland.
🐺 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠'𝗦 𝗨𝗣 🫡
4️⃣ changes from 🇿🇦.
🇦🇷 Gonzalez & Cinti both start.
🧢 Debut for @logoviimulipola.
Click below for full team news 👇#YourSaracens💫@CityIndex— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) December 15, 2023
Saracens return home off the back of two defeats with Connacht in their sights. Mark McCall's men haven't lost three games on the spin since their return to the English top flight, back in 2021. They are currently fourth in the Gallagher Premiership, just two points off leaders Sale Sharks. They are a very familiar group of players to those who have watched the Champions Cup over the past eight years. The three times champions look in a very good place to make a run at a fourth star this year.
Connacht Team News
Connacht's fortunes appeared to turn on the early departure of Mack Hansen from the Sports ground on Friday night. This week they head to the StoneX Arena without the Ireland winger but coach Peter Wilkins gave an encouraging update on the situation this week;
At this stage he has already started his rehab running, which is great. We could push him for the Saracens game but I think with it being a recurrence of the foot injury that he had at the end of the World Cup. It is not something we will take any chances with it for his sake and our sake. We would hope he is on track for Ulster.
Unstoppable @UBBRugby ✨
Instant #InvestecChampionsCup highlights available on our YouTube 👇— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 8, 2023
The two biggest disappointments for Peter Wilkins from Friday night's game will have been how easily his side were cut apart in the second half and their inability to be clinical near the Bordeaux line. Bernard Jackman made reference to Munster's power defence against Bayonne and the story was similar on Friday night as Connacht failed to make their limited visits to the Bordeaux 22 count.
Last weekend has encouraged a raft of changes from the Connacht management. Up front Jordan Duggan and Jack Aungier get the start ahead of Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham. Joe Joyce has also been moved to the bench with Gavin Thornbury and Darragh Murray getting the start.
There's no place for Cathal Forde as Tom Farrell returns to accompany Bundee Aki in the centres. Mack Hansen's injury is not expected to be as bad as first thought but Connacht have taken no risks with him. Their back three of Shane Bolton, Byron Ralston and John Porch at full back leaves Diarmaid Killgallen wearing the number 23 shirt.
🟢 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🟢
Your Connacht 23 for tomorrow’s Champions Cup game away to @Saracens 🏉
🧢 Jack Carty 200th cap
🔙 Gavin Thornbury returns
Read more: https://t.co/ms28xyl2zm#ConnachtRugby pic.twitter.com/MG6INBwSB8— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) December 15, 2023
Connacht will need to turn things around in a hurry if they are to compete this weekend against the English Champions. Connacht's performances in the URC had been particularly strong and largely built around the superb play at 10 of JJ Hanrahan, who has been dropped to the bench in favour of Jack Carty, who will make his 200th appearance for the province on Saturday.
If the men from the West can find parity up front and get their midfield back and firing they have a genuine opportunity to put it up to Saracens this Saturday lunch time.
