Connacht open their United Rugby Championship season at Dexcom Stadium in Galway with a Round 1 clash against Benetton. Sean Naughton makes his URC debut from fullback, while Fiachna Barrett could earn his first appearance if called upon from the bench. With Paul Boyle captaining from the back row, Connacht will look to harness home support in what promises to be a demanding opener.

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Benetton arrive with experience and new blood in their lineup. Prop Ivan Nemer marks his 50th appearance for the Italian club, while Louis Werchon and So’otala Fa’aso’o make their debuts in a side captained by Michele Lamaro. The mix of seasoned internationals and fresh additions underscores Benetton’s ambitions as they begin their URC campaign on the road.

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster said his side is prepared for the challenge. 

“It’s been a really pleasing pre-season for us,” Lancaster said. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the players and backroom staff, and we had two good wins against Bristol and Sale followed by a camp in Westport, so I believe we’re set up well to hit the ground running on Saturday night. Benetton are a strong side full of internationals, and the BKT URC has become such a competitive league so every point is vital. I know there’s lots of excitement around the province so I’m sure the fans will harness that energy into getting behind the group for this opener, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere for the first time as head coach.” 

Benetton head coach Calum MacRae stressed the importance of intensity. “We have a lot of respect for Connacht, we know they're a tough team to face at home,” MacRae said. “But the important thing will be to apply constant pressure, because they're a team used to working hard. So we'll have to be more consistent than them in terms of intensity.”

Connacht vs. Benetton Kickoff in Round 1 of the United Rugby Championship

Kickoff for Connacht vs. Benetton is set for 2:45 p.m. ET at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. The game will be contested as part of Round 1 of the United Rugby Championship.

Connacht Lineup vs. Benetton in Round 1 of United Rugby Championship

• Starting Lineup: Sean Naughton, Chay Mullins, Byron Ralston, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Peter Dooley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Josh Murphy, Paul Boyle (capt.), Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen
• Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Jordan Duggan, Fiachna Barrett, David O’Connor, Joe Joyce, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, Cian Prendergast

Benetton Lineup vs. Connacht in Round 1 of United Rugby Championship

• Starting Lineup: Matt Gallagher, Louis Lynagh, Tommaso Menoncello, Malakai Fekitoa, Onisi Ratave, Jacob Umaga, Louis Werchon; Ivan Nemer, Siua Maile, Simone Ferrari, Niccolò Cannone, Eli Snyman, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro (capt.), So’otala Fa’aso’o
• Replacements: Richie Asiata, Mirco Spagnolo, Tiziano Pasquali, Riccardo Favretto, Lorenzo Cannone, Alessandro Garbisi, Giuliano Avaca, Paolo Odogwu

How to Watch Connacht vs. Benetton in Round 1 of the United Rugby Championship

The match between Connacht and Benetton will stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Coverage begins shortly before kickoff at 2:45 p.m. ET. A FloRugby subscription is required to watch every game of Round 1 in the United Rugby Championship.

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