Connacht and Saracens name teams for Champions Cup clash

Connacht's head coach has named an all-new back three of Sam Gilbert at full-back, with Finn Treacy and Shane Jennings coming in on the wing. There is one other change in the backs, with Colm Reilly named at scrum-half. Ciarán Frawley retains his spot at out-half, which will see him make his home debut for the province, while Bundee Aki and Cathal Forde continue their partnership in the centre.

In the pack, loose-head prop Francois van Wyk, hooker Matthew Victory and lock Josh Murphy come into the starting XV. Sam Illo completes the front row at tighthead; with Murphy coming into the second row to partner Darragh Murray. The back row remains the same as last week, with captain, Cian Prendergast, joined by fellow Irish international, Sean Jansen, at number 8, while Shamus Hurley-Langton plays as openside flanker.

Thomas Connolly could be in line to make his Connacht debut as he provides the tighthead prop cover on the bench, where he is joined by Academy winger Daniel Ryan, who made his debut last season. Irish internationals Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham have been omitted from the match-day 23, having both featured in Connacht's opening three games this season, as COnnacht manage their minutes.

Nine other players have also featured in all three of Connacht's match-day panels this season, and are also inclued for tomorrow's game: Caolan Blade, Eoin de Buitléar, Cathal Forde, Sam Gilbert, Josh Ioane, Josh Murphy, Niall Murray, Francois van Wyk, Matthew Victory.

“There’s a huge amount of excitement in the squad ahead of tomorrow," Lancaster said in announcing his match-day squad.

"We fought hard to get back playing Champions Cup rugby, and now that we’re here we want to seize the opportunity. We’re playing four past winners so the draw couldn’t have been much tougher, but it’s a great opportunity to pit ourselves against the best teams in Europe.

"I obviously know Saracens well. They’re full of quality internationals and have made a strong start to the season, so we’re well aware of the task ahead of us but it’s one we’re relishing.

"In terms of our selection, Mack and Finlay are rested after playing in the first three games of the season, and tomorrow has come a bit too soon for the likes of Will Connors, Dave Heffernan and Harry West, but they’ve all completed training this week and should be available for Zebre next week,” he said.

Eoin Farrell starts at out-half for Saracens, who have also made a number of changes to their side from last weekend, when they beat Pat Lam's Bristol Bears 30-7, naming a side packed with experience.

Eroni Mawi and Marcus Street come into the front row alongside returning English international, Jamie George. Olamide Sodeke retains his place in the second row, partnering Hugh Tizard; while captain Maro Itoje is in the back row alongside Toby Knight and Ben Earl to complete the pack.

Tomos Williams joins Farrell in the half-backs; Rotimi Segun starts on the wing, with Sione Va’enuku and Nick Tompkins forming the midfield partnership; Noah Caluori continues on the wing, while Elliot Daly starts at full-back.

Connacht: S Gilbert; F Treacy, C Forde, B Aki, S Jennings; C Frawley, C Reilly; F van Wyk, M Victory, S Illo, D Murray, J Murphy, C Prendergast, S Hurley-Langton, S Jansen

Replacements: E de Buitléar, B Bohan, T Connolly, N Murray, S O’Brien, C Blade, J Ioane, D Ryan.

Saracens: E Daly; N Caluori, N Tompkins, S Va-enuku, R Segun; E Farrell, T WIlliams; E Mawi, J George, M Street, O Sodeke, H Tizard, M Itoje, T Knight, B Earl.

Replacements: E Clarke, P Brantingham, C Weilbach, N Isiekwe, N Michelow, A Barbeary, T James, F Burke.