Mack Hansen is set to make his long-awaited return to competitive rugby when Connacht begin their new BKT United Rugby Championship campaign against the DHL Stormers on Friday night.
The Ireland international has been named on the right wing for the Dexcom Stadium clash, marking his first competitive appearance in more than 11 months after recovering from surgery on a troublesome foot injury. Kick-off in Galway is scheduled for 7.45pm.
Mack Hansen return boosts Connacht ahead of Stormers test
Hansen completed Connacht’s pre-season programme without suffering any setbacks and now has the opportunity to return in front of a home crowd. His availability is a major lift for head coach Stuart Lancaster, particularly with several players unavailable because of injury and international selection.
The fixture also carries strong significance for Connacht supporters. The province’s 2016 PRO12 title-winning team will be welcomed back to Dexcom Stadium at half-time to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of that historic success.
Ticket demand has been high, with the Clan Stand seating and Clan Stand Terrace 1 already sold out. Limited availability remains in other areas of the ground, including Clan Terrace 2.
Connacht team includes new faces and returning players
South African recruit Francois van Wyk will make his URC debut at loosehead prop, joining Eoin de Buitléar and Ireland international Finlay Bealham in the front row. Academy back-rower Max Flynn could make his senior debut from the replacements bench.
Paul Boyle will captain the side from number eight, with Seán O’Brien and Shamus Hurley-Langton completing the back row. Niall Murray and Josh Murphy are paired in the second row.
There is also a welcome return for Cathal Forde, who has recovered from the wrist injury that ruled him out of the closing stages of last season. He starts at inside centre, while Josh Ioane and Ben Murphy resume the half-back partnership that featured in Connacht’s quarter-final defeat to Glasgow Warriors last May.
Stormers provide an immediate URC challenge
Both Connacht and the Stormers reached the URC Championship play-offs last season, setting up a demanding opening-round contest. Connacht will take confidence from their impressive 33-24 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town last April, a match in which Boyle was among the try-scorers.
Lancaster expects a physical examination from a Stormers side that combines power with pace. He also acknowledged the significance of Hansen’s return and the first appearances for van Wyk and Flynn.
“Mack’s inclusion is obviously a big boost, and it will be a proud day for Francois and Max too,” Lancaster said.
The Connacht coach added that his squad had prepared well during a long pre-season but would need to meet the Stormers’ physical threat from the opening whistle.
International absences add to Connacht selection challenge
Connacht will be without seven players involved in Ireland’s summer Nations Championship games, including new signing Ciarán Frawley. Their return dates will be assessed individually, while hookers Dave Heffernan and Dylan Tierney-Martin are unavailable through injury, with Tierney-Martin recently undergoing ankle surgery.
Despite those absences, Connacht have named a strong matchday 23 and will hope the combination of home support, defensive organisation and Hansen’s attacking threat can produce a winning start.
Connacht v DHL Stormers: confirmed team
- Back three: Sam Gilbert; Mack Hansen, John Devine, Cathal Forde, Finn Treacy
- Half-backs: Josh Ioane, Ben Murphy
- Front row: Francois van Wyk, Eoin de Buitléar, Finlay Bealham
- Second row: Niall Murray, Josh Murphy
- Back row: Seán O’Brien, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Paul Boyle (captain)
- Replacements: Matthew Victory, Jordan Duggan, Fiachna Barrett, David O’Connor, Max Flynn, Caolin Blade, Seán Naughton, Shayne Bolton
Broadcast: The match will be shown live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1.
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What happens next?
All eyes will be on Hansen’s first competitive minutes and Connacht’s ability to handle the Stormers’ power game. A strong performance in Galway would give Lancaster’s side an early platform as they begin another demanding URC campaign.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
