BUNDEE AKI HAS been named in the Connacht starting team for the first time in almost three months as they prepare to face Pro14 Rainbow Cup leaders Benetton on Saturday [kick-off, 5.15pm].
Aki, who hasn’t featured for Connacht in nearly three months after serving a suspension following Ireland duty, has been selected in the centre alongside Tom Daly.
His inclusion is key as he picks up some vital game-time before he travels with the British & Irish Lions to South Africa.
Elsewhere, Denis Buckley will become just the third Connacht player to reach 200 caps for the province. He will join John Muldoon and Michael Swift in that feat as he slots into the front row tomorrow beside Shane Delahunt and Finlay Bealham.
Conor Fitzgerald starts at out-half and will be partnered by Kieran Marmion while Peter Sullivan and Alex Wootton have been selected to start on the wings.
“Denis Buckley’s 200th appearance tomorrow is a huge achievement for him personally and those that helped him along the way,” says Connacht head coach Andy Friend.
“Denis is a consummate professional who has shown determination and loyalty in the 10 years since his debut, and to reach a milestone like this for your home province makes it even sweeter for him.
“It’s also great to welcome Bundee back to our starting XV. We’re playing a Benetton side who will be hugely motivated to hold on to 1st place in the table, but we’ve still got a lot to play for as well so it should make for a great game.”
🟢TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT🟢
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) May 28, 2021
Here is your squad for our Guinness @PRO14Official Rainbow Cup game V Benetton. A welcome back to Butler as captain & we see the return of Bundee Aki to the team. A shout out to Denis Buckley who will reach his 200th cap 💪 #BENVCON https://t.co/PkszF241L1 pic.twitter.com/y6ER9dDPn3
Connacht
15. John Porch
14. Peter Sullivan
13. Bundee Aki
12. Tom Daly
11. Alex Wootton
10. Conor Fitzgerald
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Shane Delahunt
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Niall Murray
5. Ultan Dillane
6. Cian Prendergast
7. Jarrad Butler
8. Paul Boyle
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan (143)
17. Paddy McAllister (17)
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy (66)
19. Oisin Dowling (5)
20. Abraham Papali’i (13)
21. Caolin Blade (130)
22. Jack Carty (157)
23. Sammy Arnold (14)
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