The EPCR Challenge Cup reaches the Round of 16 stage this weekend. One fixture takes place on Friday, five across Saturday and two on Sunday.
Connacht Team News
Connacht’s starting XV has been named. Sam Gilbert starts at full-back, with Shane Jennings on the wing and Cathal Forde at outside centre. Bundee Aki lines up at inside centre, Chay Mullins on the other wing, and Josh Ioane at fly-half. Matthew Devine starts at scrum-half.
The forward pack sees Cian Prendergast at number 8, Shamus Hurley-Langton at openside flanker, and Josh Murphy at blindside flanker. Darragh Murray and Joe Joyce are in the second row, with Sam Illo, Dave Heffernan and Billy Bohan in the front row.
The replacements are Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Finlay Bealham, Niall Murray, Paul Boyle, Colm Reilly, Sean Naughton, and John Devine.
Sharks Team News
The Sharks have also announced their team. Hakeem Kunene starts at full-back, with Edwill van der Merwe on the wing and Le Roux Malan at outside centre. Marnus Potgieter is at inside centre, Makazole Mapimpi on the other wing, and Jean Smith at fly-half. Ross Braude starts at scrum-half.
Nick Hatton captains the side from number 8, with Jannes Potgieter at openside flanker, and Tino Mavesere at blindside flanker. Deon Slabbert and Eben Etzebeth are in the second row, and the front row consists of Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart, and Ox Nche.
The replacements are Ethan Bester, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Mawande Mdandam, Corne Rahl, Vincent Tshituka, Ceano Everson, Siya Masuku, and Ethan Hooker.
Kick-Off Time, Officials and How to Watch
Connacht vs Sharks kicks off at 20:00 BST.
- The Referee is Sam Grove-White (Sco).
- Assistant Referees: Ru Campbell (Sco), Rob McDowell (Sco)
- TMO: Mike Adamson (Sco)
The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport / FloRugby / epcrugby.tv.
The EPCR Challenge Cup continues to the quarter-finals to find out who will be the champion.