As the United Rugby Championship (URC) continues to heat up, one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season is just around the corner.
This Saturday, Connacht will host Leinster at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway, in a clash that promises to be an electrifying encounter between two of Ireland's top rugby teams.
With both sides boasting impressive attacking capabilities and a strong desire to claim victory, fans can expect a high-paced and thrilling battle.
Connacht will be looking to leverage their home advantage to claim a crucial victory, while Leinster will be seeking to maintain their unbeaten streak.
When to Watch
Connacht vs Leinster is set to kick off on Saturday, October 19 at 7:35 PM.
Where to Watch
TG4 has live coverage of the game on free-to-air TV which begins at 7.15pm. Premier Sports 1 & URC TV will also show the encounter live albeit on a subscription basis.
Team News
Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has made two changes to his side for the upcoming interpro with Leinster.
Darragh Murray returns from Emerging Ireland to come into the second row, while David Hawkshaw starts in a rejigged back line.
Mack Hansen misses out due to a minor hip injury, resulting in a positional reshuffle.
The experienced front row of Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, and Finlay Bealham remains unchanged.
The bench includes three further players who were named in the Emerging Ireland tour – Jack Aungier, Sean Jansen, and Hugh Gavin - will make his debut for his home province if called upon.
🟢 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 🦅
Locked and loaded for tomorrow at Dexcom Stadium 👊
🔗https://t.co/3qksDeQJmN#ConnachtRugby | @Genesys pic.twitter.com/TVVIfEFgSX— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) October 18, 2024
Leinster have made seven changes to the side that beat Munster for their BKT URC clash with Connacht.
Ciarán Frawley will start his third game in a row at out-half, while Rabah Slimani is set to make his first start since joining from ASM Clermont Auvergne over the summer.
The front row has a new look, with Slimani joined by Jack Boyle and academy hooker Gus McCarthy.
James Ryan captains the side from the second row, where he is partnered by RG Snyman.
Academy winger Andrew Osborne is the only change to the backline, with his brother Jamie continuing his run of starting every game so far this season.
📩 | 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙩...
Here is your #LeinsterRugby team to face @connachtrugby tomorrow evening in Galway!#CONvLEI #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/dPeEHvRglf— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) October 18, 2024
