Connacht’s prospects of advancing in the European Challenge Cup have been significantly bolstered with the return of Irish internationals Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham in time for their Round of 16 match against Pau in France on Sunday, 5.30pm Irish time. The return of the players is timely as Connacht seeks a European victory to counter recent URC losses against the Lions and Benetton and propel them into the quarter-finals.
According to head coach Pete Wilkins, the presence of Aki and Bealham, who are known for their energy, popularity, rugby acumen and big-game experience, is crucial for the team’s preparation both on and off the field this week. Their contribution will be instrumental not just during the weekend match but throughout the run-up to it.
Other updates include the recovery of scrumhalf Caolin Blade from an Achilles problem and hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin from a neck injury. John Porch and Seán O’Brien have been passed fit following fitness tests for knee and thigh issues respectively. Out-half JJ Hanrahan and back-row Conor Oliver have also completed return-to-play protocols since the Lions match. However, Sean Jansen, Byron Ralston, Michael McDonald and Diarmuid Kilgallen will miss this week’s match due to various injuries.
At this stage, there are no new reports on the status of Oisín Dowling, Mack Hansen and Santiago Cordero.
Connacht envisages a robust performance against Pau in the second-tier competition following their exit from the Champions Cup. Wilkins sees this as a great opportunity to demonstrate their prowess and believes that lessons from their previous game in Italy will prove vital for their success this weekend.
“Our players’ execution failed us occasionally as we relinquished control too early and committed errors when we were on the offensive side of the field”, was the lament. He went on to express his frustration, describing how repeatedly shooting ourselves in the foot had paved the way for Benetton to solidify their grip.”
He continued, “Two major takeaways from this ordeal are crystal clear: Firstly, it underscores the paramount importance of our skills when faced with pressure – we must impeccably carry out those kicks and catches. Secondly, when we find ourselves rarely stationed in the opposition’s territory, there’s no necessity to gamble or play haphazardly, risking the loss of control. Rather, we should stabilise our position and gradually build our phases.”
He concluded with a hopeful note, “This difficult experience, however painful, will be fruitful as long as we absorb these vital lessons.”