Connacht ready for Sale Sharks challenge

Connacht will hope to make it fifth time lucky when they tackle European Challenge Cup quarter-final opponents Sale Sharks this evening.

The Irish side have lost all four of their previous Challenge Cup last-eight clashes against English opposition.

But they will head to the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford buoyed by Ireland centre Bundee Aki making his return after the Six Nations, while Jack Carty and Kieran Marmion forge Connacht’s half-back combination.

Connacht head coach Andy Friend said: “We said at the start of the season that we wanted to be in the business end of both the Challenge Cup and the Pro14 competitions.

“We face a tough challenge away to Sale, but this is knockout rugby and we have picked a side to go and win the game.

“I am happy with how the squad has been performing over the past few weeks.

“We are seeing strong competition for places, there is a real intensity to our training and we are seeing that in our performances on the pitch.

“We have played Sale twice this season, with both teams winning a game apiece, so I expect Friday night to be another tight affair.”

Twice Challenge Cup winners Sale are bolstered by a return to action for stand-off AJ Macginty, who starts against his former team.

Sam James moves to centre, replacing an injured James O’connor, with Josh Beaumont starting at No 8 in a back-row that also features Jono Ross and Tom Curry.

The Challenge Cup quarter-finals continue on Saturday when Worcester host Harlequins, while Sunday’s action sees Bristol travel to La Rochelle and Northampton visit Clermont Auvergne. l Wasps have announced wing Marcus Watson has signed a new contract.