Santiago Cordero in line to make Connacht debut

Argentinian international Santiago Cordero is in line to make his Connacht debut after he was named of the bench for Saturday's BKT United Rugby Championship clash with DHL Stormers at Dexcom Stadium.

Connacht realistically need to win to keep their URC play-off hopes alive and have named a strong squad for the game.

Jarrad Butler is also on the bench alongside Cordero and could play for the final time in front of the Galway crowd, while Tiernan O'Halloran starts for what could be his last game at Dexcom Stadium.

The front row of Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham is unchanged, while Darragh Murray comes into the second row alongside Joe Joyce. The fit-again Cian Prendergast is named at blindside flanker, with Shamus Hurley-Langton at openside and Sean Jansen at number 8 in a physical-looking back row.

Caolin Blade comes in for the injured Matthew Devine at scrum-half while Jack Carty continues at out-half. A change at centre sees David Hawkshaw start at 13 alongside Bundee Aki, while John Porch replaces the injured Shane Jennings on the wing. The remaining back three of Byron Ralston and O'Halloran is unchanged.

Head coach Pete Wilkins paid tribute to Cordero, who has endued a nightmare season with injury. "There will be a lot said about the departing players before and after the game, but it's important to highlight how great it is to include Santi in the matchday 23 for the first time.

"He has shown unbelievable resilience since his injury, and it’s a testament to him and the medical team here that he’s available to us for these last two games at least."

Connacht: Tiernan O'Halloran, John Porch, David Hawkshaw, Bundee Aki, Byron Ralston, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade, Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Joe