Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
A QUICK GLANCE at the Leicester Tigers team named to play Connacht today [KO 8pm, BT Sport] tells you everything you need to know about their approach to this game.
Leicester do not see themselves as a Challenge Cup side. This will be only their 10th ever outing in the competition. Connacht, on the other hand, have played 126 games in European Rugby’s second-tier tournament.
At the moment, this is Connacht’s level, and a win today would harden their belief that they can finally come out on top in a competition they have been so synonymous with down the years.
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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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.
Connacht 19 Ulster 32
Ulster succeeded in consolidating their lead at the top of Conference A with a comfortable victory over Connacht in Galway on Sunday.
It was the first time in five years that Dan McFarlandâs side has left the Sportsground with a victory and they were deserving winners after taking control of the second half, posting 23 points, and limiting Connacht to a single try.
This was a big statement from Ulster. Missing 17 players, including a raft of big-names, they produced a display of real energy, particularly in defence, which stymied Connachtâs best efforts, while Ian Madigan posted 22 points through his boot.