As Connacht ventures to Italy this coming weekend to go head-to-head with Benetton, the tension is palpably rising, exacerbated by their unanticipated thrashing at the hands of the Emirates Lions the previous weekend. The triumph of the South Africans at the Sportsground pushed them above Connacht on the URC league table. Pete Wilkins, Connacht’s head coach, voiced his frustration, stating none aspect of their performance successfully dominated their adversary in the 14-38 setback.
Wilkins confesses, with unequivocal disappointment, that the match not only symbolised a physical decline but a missed breakthrough opportunity. Under the umbrella of further URC proceedings, it was a crucial turning point for Connacht to assert themselves. Wilkins aspires not merely a fight for seventh or eighth position followed by an eventually away knockout game, but a team eager to progress. He believes Connacht should stand out amongst the top-four contestants. This marked moment of manifestation, however, was missed.
For Wilkins, it’s not a matter of insufficient exertion or intention. He points out laxity in the initial match half led to several penalties and turnovers. This attitude gave the Lions confidence and several chances to regroup, launch physical attacks, and regain their poise. Notably, this isn’t the first time Connacht has missed an opportunity when playing against a reduced 14-man team. In Wilkin’s evaluation, his players lost the physical confrontations, leading to numerous turnovers and penalties, culminating in the opponents’ scores. His reflection on this poor performance will influence the squad selection for the forthcoming Benetton match in Italy.
Anticipating the match with Benetton, Wilkins had in mind his preferred squad based on the game plan, available players, and performance. However, the latest performance has necessitated a reflective rethinking; the selection will indeed bear its effects.
Internationals Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham are slated to resume training later this week after their return, offering assistance to the teams. Given their vigorous participation in the Six Nations, part of the task is ensuring their physical recuperation as well as optimising their performances not just for us, but for Ireland as well.
Mentally, we are providing them with the opportunity to rejoin and perform for our team. Their return does not alter our strategy of their utilisation but it does lead us to reconsider the performance of the 23 who played last weekend and what we will bring to the game in Italy. It is anticipated that both Aki and Bealham will be fully integrated by the European match against Pau in France.
Their roles are crucial for our team as we strive to compete on two fronts. It is a sentiment that resonates with the players and staff in the camp here; they would not tolerate anything less than total commitment to achieve a victory in both Benetton and Pau.
Despite the complexities tied to traveling for both games, we are set to depart a day earlier than customary. We comprehend that the group always welcomes such opportunities, relishing the refreshing change of environment that comes with it.