The return of key players is coming at the right time of the season for Connacht in their hopes to keep fighting on two fronts.
While still battling for the top eight in the URC, Connacht now want to make a statement in Europe.
Having dropped out of the Champions Cup, Connacht’s credentials in the second-tier competition will now be tested when they face Pau at Stadium du Hameau on Sunday in the Challenge Cup round of 16 (5.30 Irish time).
The mindset heading to France, says Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins, is to “go for it”.
“We have to score tries, but be on the front foot in defence. At the same time Benetton was a good example that when we are patient with the ball, we can score.”
Although Pau is a French team that “tends to fly a little bit under the radar”, Wilkins recognises the threat they pose to Connacht’s hopes.
“You look into their strengths in terms of attack and defence, they are a top five team in both those regards, though sitting seventh in the ladder. It is no coincidence they knock over a lot of good teams in the French league.
“There is a real French-ness to them in that when they get on the front foot, they’ll offload, they’ll play, they can be deadly with turnover or poor kick chase. So there is that classic challenge of controlling those pressure moments that you come up against with all French teams.
“But there’s also a decent rugby intellect, almost an Anglo-Saxon patience to how they play. They are not afraid to hang on to the ball for multiple phases, not afraid to kick long and squeeze you with a kick chase, and they have a strong set piece.”
Wilkins says it’s no coincidence why, at times, Pau have done so well this year on the back of that.
“It’s a knockout game, we have to be positive, and for us, we have to go for it. We can’t go there and just think we are going to win 9-6, we have to score tries. We have to make sure we are on the front foot in defence.”
Connacht’s hopes have been given a real boost with the availability of both internationals Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham, and Wilkins says they will play a key part in the week’s preparation, on and off the field.
“Both are massive personalities in terms of the energy they give to the group and how popular they are. They bring rugby intellect and experience of big games and it’s great for us to have them on board. They will play a key part, not just on the weekend, but on our whole preparation leading up to it.”
In addition, scrumhalf Caolin Blade has recovered from an Achilles issue and hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin is available, having recovered from a neck injury. Both John Porch (knee), Seán O’Brien (thigh) have passed fitness tests, while outhalf JJ Hanrahan and backrow Conor Oliver have completed their return to play protocols since the Lions game.
Ruled out this week are Sean Jansen (groin), Byron Ralston (ankle), Michael McDonald (foot) and Diarmuid Kilgallen (shoulder). There are no new updates on Oisín Dowling, Mack Hansen and Santiago Cordero.
Connacht’s record in France is poor, but Wilkins says his current crop of players need no motivation, and will be boosted by their supporters who have always made their presence felt on the European stage.
“There was a decent crowd in Benetton, and the passion and commitment to travel with us is not something we take for granted. When we get to Pau it will give us enormous energy, and a really clear example of who we are representing. It drives that motivation to do them proud.”
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