Connacht are preparing for a game of “real significance” when they host Munster in Dexcom Stadium on Saturday night (7.45pm ).
Both sides need a win to further their respective ambitions. Connacht, still in ninth, are looking to make the top eight, while Munster, in the fifth spot, are looking to consolidate their quarter-final spot with an improved seeding.
With just two remaining BKT URC fixtures to determine the quarter-finalists, Connacht’s head coach Stuart Lancaster knows his side “needs to play well”, particularly up against a Munster outfit nine points ahead of his side.
“It's a huge game for Munster as much as it is for us - there's no denying that,” Lancaster says, “but we’ve just got to concentrate on ourselves.
“There is pressure”, he admits, “trying to make sure we pick the right team, get the right energy behind the team, and obviously the crowd will be huge.”
And on this occasion, he says, winning is important.
“Both teams will be going to win the game, as opposed to trying not to lose,” he says. “There's a big difference. So I think our mentality will be as it has been throughout the season, to win by scoring tries.”
Last year’s historic fixture in Castlebar saw Munster edge Connacht by 24-30, and Lancaster says lessons can be learned, particularly by “making sure we get the balance right in terms of when we play and when we kick, and how to put pressure on in the right areas of the field”.
“Weather plays a part obviously here at the weekend, but one of the big steps I think we've made this season is our defence, and making sure we're on point in the three aspects that really will matter against Munster.
“One is the set piece, the scrum, the line-out, and who comes on top there. Making sure our defence is really well organised and ready to deal with Munster, who obviously have international halfbacks starting, and very good ball carriers across the park. Alex Nankivell has been excellent at 12.”
Good news for Connacht is the return of Bundee Aki, while outhalf Josh Ioane (head ) has completed his return to play protocols and is available. David Hawkshaw (groin ) and Academy centre Sean Walsh (wrist ) will integrate into training later in the week, while scrumhalf Caolin Blade (thumb ) and hooker Dave Heffernan (calf ) continue to be monitored with a decision on their availability later in the week.
Unfortunately, Cathal Forde (wrist ) and Matthew Victory (shoulder ) are out for the remainder of the season after injuries sustained against the Stormers and Lions respectively, while there are no updates on Temi Lasisi, Oisin Dowling, Oisin McCormack, Byron Ralston, Mack Hansen, and Finn Treacy.
Denis Buckley
Long-time Connacht prop Denis Buckley has announced his departure from the club this week, and is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury.
The 35-year-old, who has played some 275 games for the club, is Connacht's second most capped player behind John Muldoon's 327.
The popular prop, whose rugby career started with Creggs RFC, made his debut for Connacht in 2011 and has been a key front row player for 15 years.
Lancaster describes Buckley as “durable and so professional”.
“Every game I was involved in with Leinster against Connacht, Denis was playing, and I don't think I really saw him make an error in any of those games. He obviously was a complete scrummager.
“What struck me was his diligence and and professionalism - you have to be to play as many games as he's done.
“He would always be physically working on his body, and making sure his mind was in the right place as well. He was interested in the leadership stuff we were talking about, and he's going to go on to be successful in life, I'm sure, because he's got such an inquisitive mind. His desire for Connacht to do well really makes him stand out.”
Lancaster has recruited two new front row additions. Jerry Cahir joins from Leinster, having impressed with Lansdowne, while South African, Francois van Wyk, moves from England where he has played with Bath, Leicester and Northampton for nearly a decade.
Lancaster describes the two players as a “couple of really good signings in that position,” as he continues to build a squad for the coming seasons.
“Both of them are playing Champions Cup semi-finals - one from Bath, one from Leinster - so on the back of Billy Bohan, as well Jordan Duggan, I think we're really strong in that position now.”
