This Friday Connacht welcome Welsh side Scarlets to The Sportsground for Round 6 of the BKT United Rugby Championship, (k/o 7.35pm).
Last Friday Connacht suffered defeat to Leinster at home where they will look to bounce back and get a much needed win. Speaking ahead of the game to media was Connacht Director of Rugby Andy Friend who was asked about his sides performances so far in the URC and what is it exactly that isn’t clicking for the team?
“Our accuracy”
“We had nine entries in the Leinster 22 last Friday with 0 points”
“Frustration is the best word to describe the mood in the camp at the moment because we can feel we’re close but we just haven’t nailed it yet”
While the result wasn’t what Connacht wanted there were plenty of positives to take from it which Andy discussed.
“I did enjoy our physicality and our intent was definitely there against Leinster but we just weren’t clinical enough”
“Again, we got in the Leinster 22 nine times which isn’t easy so we are doing plenty right to get in those positions”
After the performance against Leinster, is there a feeling from the coaches to stick with the same side to see the same group deliver another good performance but this time with a win?
“We have had some very tough games and very physical games, so we have some banged up bodies around the camp” said Friend
“After the Bulls and being in South Africa we freshened the side up for Munster which was very physical and likewise Leinster so I think there’s a need to try and freshen that side up so we have fresh bodies coming in”
The Scarlets come into the game in a similar position to Connacht and Andy know’s his side will have a real challenge on their hands to deal with.
“Its never easy against the Scarlets, they are a very good side with quality internationals”
“They will be tough, a big pack and players who can hurt you in the backline”
“A bit like us they haven’t been firing so far this season but this could be the game for both sides that brings things together”
Images & Content from – Connacht Rugby
