Connacht and Ulster both travel to the Aviva Stadium for the second Irish interpro of the season this weekend. Connacht narrowly lost to Munster in the first interpro of the season last week and will be looking to avenge that loss. Ulster on the other hand have had a flying start to the URC this season. They are unbeaten so far and have four bonus point wins as well, leaving them on top of the table. Here's a match preview and information on how to watch Connacht vs Ulster.
When is Connacht vs Ulster?
The match is on Saturday 23rd October with kick off from the Aviva Stadium at 5:15pm.
How to watch Connacht vs Ulster
The match is live on TG4 from 4:50pm.
It is also live on Premier Sports 2 from 5pm.
Lastly, you can watch the match on demand on URC TV.
Match Preview
Ulster have had a perfect start to the season so far, getting a maximum 20 points from their first four games. Along with Munster and Leinster, they've scored the most tries this season out of any team with 19. Therefore they rightfully have seven players called up to the Irish squad for the November internationals. Players like James Hume and Nick Timoney have ben phenomenal this season and really earned a call up.
This match sees the return of Iain Henderson as the lock returns to the Ulster lineup for the first time since lining out for the Lions last summer. Stuart McCloskey also returns to the starting lineup for the big game at the Aviva. Nathan Doak gets his fourth start in a row as the 19-year-old continues to have a very impressive season. He might have been a little bit unfortunate to not get a call up to the Irish squad but if he can continue this form he'll certainly have to get a cap come the Six Nations.
🚨 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 🚨
Here is your Ulster squad to take on @ConnachtRugby in our first Inter-Pro of the #URC tomorrow at Aviva Stadium ⤵️
Full story ➡️ https://t.co/mZAgYYeSz0
#CONvULS | #SUFTUM ⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/vEAe5ZULHk— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) October 22, 2021
Connacht have had a very unfortunate start to the URC season. They have had really good spells in every match this season but they just can't keep the consistency for the whole match.
Players like Jack Carty, Ultan Dillane and Mack Hansen have all played really well this season. Carty in particular has excelled and is very unlucky not to get in the Ireland squad. However Connacht still have some representation in Andy Farrell's squad with three call-ups.
Eoghan Masterson returns to the starting 15 along with Keiron Marmion and Tom Daly. Bundee Aki is out as he is being monitored for a knee injury. Conor Fitzgerald returns to the matchday squad on the bench to round out the Connacht 23.
🟢 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🟢
Here's our matchday squad for tomorrow's historic #URC clash with @UlsterRugby at the Aviva Stadium!#CONvULS #StrengthInNumbers
Full story: https://t.co/eacRK14W9k
Tickets: https://t.co/jONuehDExl pic.twitter.com/0dKW9220xh— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) October 22, 2021
This is a historic game for Connacht and Ulster at the Aviva. Ulster need to keep up this momentum going into the international break while Connacht need a win to start a change in their fortunes. The second Irish interpro of the season should be an exciting one.
See also: Declan Kidney's Mind Games With A Young Paul O'Connell Were Masterful
