Returning internationals can help Connacht put home struggles behind them
Andy Friend’s team have lost their last four home games in all competitions. By Ciarán Kennedy Saturday 20 Feb 2021, 7:30 AM Feb 20th 2021, 7:30 AM 4,834 Views 2 Comments
Bundee Aki makes his first start since December.
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
EVEN CONNACHT ARE finding the Sportsground a tough place to go recently. Andy Friend’s side have lost their last three on home soil in the Pro14 – four in all competitions – and defeat to Cardiff Blues tonight [7.35, TG4] would represent the first time they have lost four home Pro14 games in succession since 2013.
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The 1998 Five Nations campaign had long been consigned to the dark history of Irish rugby before 2000 until yesterday when the class of 2021 dredged up a bad memory by becoming the first Irish team since that season to lose their first two championship matches.
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Papali’i handed latest chance to prove his worth as Connacht look to find clinical edge
Andy Friend’s team are looking to get back to winning ways against Dragons following back-to-back defeats. By Ciarán Kennedy Friday 5 Feb 2021, 6:30 AM Feb 5th 2021, 6:30 AM 6,452 Views 5 Comments
Connacht s Abraham Papali’i.
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
THIS WAS ALWAYS the danger. Speaking in the minutes after Connacht beat Leinster at the turn of the year, captain Quinn Roux pointed out the province have previously produced big results and then failed to back them up.
The margins have been small. Against Munster they were let down by poor decision making as the clock wound down. The Ospreys trailed 17-5 at half-time in the Sportsground. On both occasions, Connacht lost by six points.