Gavin Thornbury returns from injury as Connacht look for back-to-back wins in Dragons clash

URC: Dragons v Connacht, Rodney Parade, Saturday 8pm, live on RTÉ

Connacht head to Wales for Saturday’s URC fixture against the Dragons at Rodney Parade knowing their winning momentum must be maintained to keep their quarter-final ambitions alive.

Pete Wilkins’ side will be favourites against a Dragons side close to the bottom of the table with only three wins. However, nothing can be taken for granted against a Welsh outfit that has proved a gritty opponent in the past. Dragons’ recent form has helped them win five of their last seven matches in all competitions at Rodney Parade.

As a result Wilkins has named a strong side, with internationals Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham in the starting XV. Shane Jennings returns to action in the only backline change from last weekend’s victory over Zebre, with JJ Hanrahan again at outhalf, having fully recovered from a hamstring twinge. Last week’s man of the match Matthew Devine retains the scrumhalf berth.

In the pack a notable addition is the return of lock Gavin Thornbury in his first start of the season, while Denis Buckley and Cian Prendergast are named in the front and backrows respectively. Dave Heffernan captains the side.

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Wilkins says the addition of Buckley, Thornbury, Prendergast and O’Halloran brings added experience and leadership needed in this type of game.

“Combined with a consistent selection across the rest of the 23 I’m confident we have a squad capable of coming home with the win,” Wilkins explained.

“Rodney Parade is always a tough place for visiting teams, and we’re fully aware of the importance of us getting a win in the context of the overall season.”

Despite the difference in championship points between the two - Connacht have some 39 to Dragons 15 - there is no room for complacency. And with a strong maul and defence, Dragons will not make it easy for western province, particularly in the pack.

Dragons’ head coach Dai Flanagan expects Connacht to “come looking for five points”, but is appealing to his players to “prove people wrong and perform”.

“This four-game block is very important to us, and this is the first of them. This is one of the most exciting times since I’ve been at the club, this run of games, and we need to make the most of it. Connacht target certain games and we would be a game that I imagine they will try and target for five points.”

With games coming up against Munster, Stormers and Leinster, Connacht cannot afford to slip up. All the stats point to an away win, and Connacht’s play-off hopes may well rest on it.

Dragons RFC: J Williams; R Dyer, S Hughes (capt), A Owen, E Rosser; C Evans, R Williams; R Jones, E Dee, C Coleman; B Carter, M Screech; H Keddie, T Basham, A Wainwright.

Replacements: J Benjamin, R Martinez, L Yendle, G Nott, S Lonsdale, C Hope, W Reed, J Westwood.

Connacht : T O’Halloran; S Jennings, T Farrell, B Aki, J Porch; JJ Hanrahan, M Devine; D Buckley, D Heffernan (capt), F Bealham; J Joyce, G Thornbury; S Hurley-Langton, C Oliver, C Prendergast.

Replacements: D Tierney-Martin, P Dooley, S Illo, O Dowling, J Butler, C Blade, C Forde, P Boyle.

Referee: Federico Vedovelli (FIR)