United Rugby Championship: Top-two battles and big-name signings as Irish provinces return to action

The next five matches: Sharks (H), Osprey (A, Challenge Cup), Black Lion (H, Challenge Cup), Dragons (A), Ulster (A)

It has been a difficult start to life in Galway for former England coach Stuart Lancaster, who replaced Pete Wilkins as Connacht coach in the summer.

After an opening win over Benetton that was followed by a postponement of the Scarlets game forced by Storm Amy, Western Province lost to Cardiff, the Bulls and Munster before the international break.

The 28-27 loss to the Bulls in Galway and the 17-15 loss to Munster in Limerick were tough pills to swallow, but Lancaster have had a strong month to put together a plan to breathe new life into Connacht’s season.

It begins with the Sharks’ visit to Dexcom Stadium on Saturday (19:45 GMT). After three defeats in the first four matches, the South African national team clinched its qualification before the November break with a huge victory over Scarlets 29-19.

The Sharks will be without most of the Springboks, including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzeth, Bonji Mbonambi, Ethan Hooker and Andre Esterhuizen.

For the home team, Irish internationals Bindi Ake, Cian Prendergast and Finlay Pelham are available for selection, but McHansen has been ruled out.

Hansen, who starred at full-back in Ireland’s win over Australia earlier this month, is suffering from hand and foot injuries with Connacht unsure of the timetable for the 27-year-old’s return.

After facing the Sharks, Lancaster will lead Connacht into European play for the first time with a Challenge Cup return with a trip to the Ospreys followed by a home game against Georgian side Black Lion.