Connacht Rugby will be looking to redeem themselves when they host South African side Black Lions on Saturday in Dexcom Stadium (8pm ).
Stuart Lancaster’s side is smarting after an unexpected defeat to fellow URC opponents Ospreys by 24-21 in the opening round in Dunraven Brewery Field, and a win at home is essential if they want to maintain their European Challenge Cup ambitions.
Connacht scrum and contact coach Cullie Tucker expects Connacht will use this next round to mix up the starting XV as a result of the opening day defeat.
“Selections are up for grabs again this week. So, yeah, some people played well, some people didn't. That's the nature of the game.”
However, Connacht could struggle in the front row. Finlay Bealham, who suffered concussion against the Ospreys, is ruled out, Jack Aungier has suffered an elbow injury, and both Peter Dooley and Temi Lasisi are also out of action. In the backs, Sean Naughton (ankle ) and Shane Jennings (quad ) are ruled out. There are more selection headaches with both captain Cian Prendergast and outhalf Josh Ioane still sidelined with respective hamstring and groin injuries.
The Lions arrive in Galway also having lost their opening round, falling at home to URC outfit Benetton by 18-26. While the Lions can be expected to raise their game for their Irish visit, Connacht should have their measure. Coupled with the necessary reaction to their opening day loss, a victory is not only needed, but expected.
There is some good news on the squad front. Scrumhalf Caolin Blade and backrow Shamus Hurley-Langton, have recovered and are available.
Mack Hansen, still out of action, is recovering from a successful surgery. Tucker says there is no definite date when Hansen will be fit to be back on the pitch for Connacht.
“It was obviously an unusual and invasive surgery. He’s in the very early parts of recovery, but in terms of timeline there is no definitely date,” he says.
“We are talking months for sure. But he’s out and at home recovering.”
Tucker and the Connacht management will certainly be looking for a much improved performance from Connacht - poor execution and the inability to convert chances in the 22 proved costly. Incredibly, Connacht squandered a 21-0 lead to eventually lose.
“When they got into our 22, they converted most of their opportunities, so that's probably the disappointing element for us for sure.”
Tucker says Connacht’s inability to convert possession into scores, particularly in the second half, proved costly, but says the loss of their two tighthead props did not help.
“You can't write a story on a scoreboard, but there is a narrative behind it as well,” he says.
“But the pleasing thing for us is we certainly kept fighting to get back. It's just execution on our part when we were there.”
Tucker admits Connacht will need to improve knowing the Black Lions arrive also having lost their opening outing, but boast a powerful scrum which Connacht need to repel.
