Connacht coach Pete Wilkins has claimed that Ulster had one eye on this week’s interpro clash as they succumbed to a second successive South African mauling last weekend.
Richie Murphy’s side sprung a major surprise by shocking champions Glasgow on the opening day of the URC season but slumped to two heavy defeats against the Lions and the Bulls.
“I’m not sure Ulster’s performances in South Africa will worry them too much,” insisted Wilkins, whose side have won twice in their opening three games ahead of Saturday’s Ravenhill clash.
“And the reason I say that is I reckon they probably picked that side against the Bulls with Connacht in mind on the other side of it.
“There were some important players who either weren’t playing or were coming off the bench or were subbed earlier.
“And I think if you hear Richie Murphy’s comments afterwards that they weren’t that disappointed with the result, they were probably looking at it with us in mind.
“They’ll have some degree of energy preserved from that and to get back in front of their home fans, they will be determined to get off to a good start and try to get into the game as well. So it adds to the challenge for us but it is one we are really excited by.”
Connacht welcome back Joe Joyce (neck), Josh Ioane (HIA), Jordan Duggan (ankle) while they hope that captain Cian Prendergast will pass his HIA protocols after his brain injury last weekend.
Sam Illo has had a confirmed ankle syndesmosis complaint but, although he will not require surgery, he is unlikely to return until December, with Temi Lasisi continuing to cover both sides, while Jack Aungier will return from the Emerging Ireland tour next week.