After two back-to-back weekends of European action, Connacht return their focus to the Guinness PRO14 on Saturday as they welcome a fresh Isuzu Southern Kings to Galway. The Conference B showdown will provide the Irish province with a chance to get back to winning ways after losing to Toulouse in the Champions Cup last weekend in France. But Southern Kings picked up their first Guinness PRO14 win on the road last time out and the Southern African outfit will fancy their chances of executing repeat performance. The visitors will also be able to call on Yaw Penxe at The Sportsground, with the winger making his long-awaited return after sustaining a hamstring injury in the opening match of the season. His inclusion is one of three changes to the starting XV that prevailed 16-14 at Ospreys three weeks ago, with Stefan Ungerer and Aston Fortuin also back in the fold. Connacht have also been boosted by several returnees, with Bundee Aki returning at inside centre after missing the Toulouse defeat, while Niyi Adeolokun takes his place in the back three. There’s also an all-new front row from the side that started in France as Denis Buckley has recovered from illness to start at loosehead alongside Finlay Bealham and Tom McCartney. Kick-off: The Sportsground, Galway |KO 17.15 How to watch: Live on Premier Sports 1, eir sport 1, SuperSport 1, TG4, DAZN, PRO14.tv Players to watch out for: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Juan Schoeman (Southern Kings) Not only are Connacht boosted by the return of Aki for the visit of Southern Kings, the Irish province have also announced the explosive centre has agreed a new three-year extension. The Ireland international will remain at The Sportsground until the summer of 2023 at least, moving onto a central contract after establishing himself as a key cog in the national team. Aki has the ability to tear apart defences and his presence in midfield will undoubtedly strike fear in the Southern Kings players, who will need to be at their very best to counter his rampaging runs. It was never in doubt where I wanted to be. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have been given to represent both @connachtrugby & @IrishRugby and am delighted to extend my IRFU contract excited. Thank you for all the support #ShouldertoShoulder #grassrootstogreenshirts pic.twitter.com/lbl98EhJSo — Bundee Aki (@bundeeaki12) November 29, 2019 The visitors will at least be able to call on Penxe for just his second appearance of the season as the Port Elizabeth-based side go in search of back-to-back away wins in Galway. But the key man to watch will be loosehead prop Juan Schoeman, whose loan agreement from Super Rugby side the Sharks comes to an end after the Connacht encounter. The 28-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers for Kings so far this season, significantly strengthening their set-piece, and he will certainly want go out with a bang. Key stat: Southern Kings have met Irish provinces on 14 previous occasions in the Guinness PRO14 and have lost them all, including their two encounters with Connacht. Connacht: Matt Healy, Niyi Adeolokun, Kyle Godwin, Bundee Aki, John Porch, Conor Fitzgerald, Caolin Blade; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Quinn Roux ©, Eoghan Masterson, Colby Fainga’a, Paul Boyle Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Matthew Burke, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Joe Maksymiw, Jarrad Butler, Angus Lloyd, Jack Carty, Peter Robb Isuzu Southern Kings: Scott van Breda, Christopher Hollis, Erich Cronje, Howard Mnisi ©, Yaw Penxe, John-Thomas Jackson, Stefan Ungerer; Juan Schoeman, Jacques du Toit, Pieter Scholtz, Jerry Sexton, Aston Fortuin, Martinus Burger, Thembelani Bholi, Elrigh Louw Replacements: Chad Solomon, Xandre Vos, De-Jay Terblanche, Bobby de Wee, Ruaan Lerm, Theo Maree, Siyabonga Masuku, Sibusiso Sithole Cardiff City Stadium will play host to the 2020 Guinness PRO14 Final on June 20 as one of the most exciting days in the club rugby calendar comes to Wales! General sale tickets are available from http://bit.ly/PRO14Cardiff2020 and prices start at just £13 for concessions and £26 for adults (subject to booking fees), that’s a 15% early bird discount. Family ticket (2 adults / 2 children) prices begin at £64 and fans are encouraged to buy early to get the best value tickets.
