Connacht Team News: Jansen’s absence the fatal blow before Glasgow quarter-final
Big takeaway from the Connacht team announcement: Sean Jansen is the killing blow.
Jansen has been one of Connacht’s most important attackers all season thanks to his carry, line speed and defensive work rate. Losing him for a game like this against the mighty Glasgow pack is huge.
The other major concern is backline depth and available experience.
No, Harry West. No Cathal Forde. No Mack Hansen. No Byron Ralston. Jack Carty is unavailable due to personal reasons. Caolin Blade and Finn Treacy also miss the 23rd despite returning to training this week.
The return of Dylan Tierney-Martin and Darragh Murray to the starting team is a huge boost, while Dave Heffernan being fit enough for the bench gives Connacht the experience and leadership they sorely need in the pack.
Despite all the injuries, there is still real quality in the team.
Bundee Aki remains the focal point in midfield, Cian Prendergast is once again captain of the team, while 15-year-old Sam Gilbert gives Connacht a real weapon with his goalkicking. In a tight away knockout match, this boot could be absolutely crucial.
Glasgow Warriors team news
Scott Cummings returns from injury for his first appearance for Glasgow Warriors since before the Guinness Six Nations.
Glasgow Warriors starting XV
Josh McKay; Kyle Steyn (captain), Stafford McDowall, Sione Tuipulotu, Kyle Rowe; Dan Lancaster, George Horne; Patrick Schickerling, Johnny Matthews, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Alex Samuel, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey.
Glasgow Warriors Substitutions
Gregor Hiddleston, Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakai, Jare Oguntibeju, Euan Ferrie, Sione Vailanu, Jack Oliver, Ollie Smith.
Connacht rugby team
Connacht Start XV
Sam Gilbert; Shane Jennings, John Devine, Bundee Aki, Shayne Bolton; Josh Ioane, Ben Murphy; Billy Bohan, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast (captain), Shamus Hurley-Langton, Paul Boyle.
Connacht substitutions
Dave Heffernan, Peter Dooley, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Sean O’Brien, Matthew Devine, Hugh Gavin, Sean Naughton.
Franco Smith on the Connacht challenge
“Connacht will present a big challenge tomorrow night. They have a well-drilled and talented team and arrive here as one of the most in-form teams in the competition.
“We are happy to welcome Scott back on our 23rd day after his injury layoff – he has been hard at work and working closely with our medical and S&C teams to put himself in the best possible position ahead of his return.
“We know the difference Warrior Nation can make, and we can’t wait to hear them support the Scotstoun team as we kick off the playoffs tomorrow night.”
Stuart Lancaster on the Connacht opportunity
“This is exactly where we wanted to be at the start of the season, so credit goes to all the players for what they have shown over the last few months to get us to this position. Now we have to go out there and seize the opportunity.
“Glasgow are formidable opponents, especially away from home, with an array of talented players who are very well coached, but we are excited about the challenge that lies ahead.”
Verdict
Connacht will not travel to Scotstoun in full force, and the injury list makes that mission much more difficult. The loss of Jansen is the biggest blow of all, while the lack of experienced back cover leaves very little room for disruption once the match begins.
However, Connacht still have enough quality to make this uncomfortable for Glasgow. If Aki manages to get them over the gain line, Prendergast leads the pack well and Gilbert punishes mistakes from the start, Connacht has a chance to punch.
But against a strong Glasgow away side, Connacht will need a near-perfect knockout performance.
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