Andy Farrell is backing 'smart' Mack Hansen to make an impact on his debut on Saturday as the head coach revealed injury cost Keith Earls involvement in the Six Nations opener against Wales.
Farrell also explained how injury issues involving fit-again Robbie Henshaw, Iain Henderson and Robert Balacoune a left them playing catch-up in the selection stakes for the Aviva Stadium clash.
Hansen, 23, has been a revelation for Connacht since joining the province from the Brumbies last summer and that earned him a place in Ireland's November squad.
