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Preview: Saracens vs. Connacht – Investec Champions Cup Clash
Nick Tompkins emphasises the magnitude of Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup fixture between Saracens and Connacht, labeling it as the defining game of the season for the Men in Black. As Saracens aim to reignite their European campaign, this encounter at StoneX Stadium promises high stakes and intense competition.
**Saracens Starting Lineup:**– Front-row continuity with Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, and Alec Clarey.– Changes in the back-line: Tompkins at outside centre, Aled Davies partnering with captain Owen Farrell at half-back, and Lucio Cinti joining the back-three.– Notable additions on the bench: Logovi’i Mulipola and Theo Dan, both eager to make impactful contributions.
Tompkins, underlining the significance of this clash, acknowledges the team’s need for consistency and identity, anticipating a tough challenge against a formidable Connacht side.
*Saracens Director of Rugby, Mark McCall, comments:* “This game marks a crucial turning point for us. It’s about finding our rhythm and asserting our identity on the European stage. The changes in our lineup reflect our determination to secure a pivotal victory.”
**Connacht’s Lineup and Milestones:**– Club captain Jack Carty reaches a milestone, marking his 200th appearance for Connacht, a testament to his enduring impact and prowess.– Other changes in the starting 15, including the return of key players Thornbury and Bolton after injury lay-offs.– Head Coach Pete Wilkins emphasizes the team’s rigorous preparation and determination to deliver a performance reflecting their season aspirations against a respected Saracens outfit.
*Connacht Head Coach Pete Wilkins states:* “As players and coaches, we’ve been incredibly focused in our preparation. This game is an opportunity for us to showcase our abilities and bounce back from our previous outing. Saracens pose a significant challenge, but we’re geared up for a strong performance.”
The collision between Saracens and Connacht promises an intriguing clash of rugby titans, both sides driven by ambition and determination to secure a pivotal victory in this Investec Champions Cup encounter.
**Starting Teams:**
*Saracens:*1. Mako Vunipola2. Jamie George3. Alec Clarey4. Maro Itoje5. Theo McFarland6. Juan Martin Gonzalez7. Andy Christie8. Billy Vunipola9. Aled Davies10. Owen Farrell (c)11. Sean Maitland12. Olly Hartley13. Nick Tompkins14. Lucio Cinti15. Alex Goode
*Connacht:*1. Jordan Duggan2. Dave Heffernan3. Jack Aungier4. Darragh Murray5. Gavin Thornbury6. Cian Prendergast7. Conor Oliver8. Paul Boyle9. Caolin Blade10. Jack Carty (C)11. Shayne Bolton12. Bundee Aki13. Tom Farrell14. Byron Ralston15. John Porch
The clash kicks off at 1 pm on Saturday, December 16th, 2023, Live on TNT sports at StoneX Stadium, promising a thrilling showdown between these powerhouse rugby teams.
Bookies expect Saracens to win by 18pts.
LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com
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