Ex-Connacht legend believes home advantage can swing it

FORMER Connacht and Ireland No. 8 Noel Mannion believes if the Connacht players go out with the proper mindset – and the home crowd reach their crescendo to will their heroes over the line – they will defeat Glasgow in the Pro12 semi-final this Saturday.

Since Connacht ambushed the reigning Pro12 champions on a scoreline of 14-7 earlier in the month to secure a home semi-final, the place has gone bananas. Mannion, though, urges caution, not only among supporters but within the Connacht camp.

“I know it is very difficult to beat a team twice in a short space of time, no matter what sport you play so it is down to the mindset you go out with. That is Pat Lam’s job this week –  to juggle that – to ensure they go out cautious and not over-confident but also that they do have the confidence that they can beat them in Galway again,” says the Ballinasloe man.

“It is going to be a real tight game though. I have watched Glasgow for four seasons under Gregor Townsend and they are a very clever side, very well coached. They didn’t play particularly well in Galway a couple of weeks ago and I think we will be looking for that to happen again.

“Glasgow missed two penalties at crucial times early on in that match, which could have changed the whole format, but on paper Connacht have a good chance of winning this one. It will go down to the wire, maybe even be decided on a refereeing decision or a lucky break or a lucky try. You have to say though Connacht do have a great advantage in the game being in Galway.”

Mannion is genuinely excited about the impending contest and wonders what Glasgow’s approach will be coming to Galway having been beaten at the same venue a fortnight ago. “They will have analysed it; they will change their game around.

“I hope it is a fine evening because it will tee it up for a great game of rugby and it could be like two boxers going toe to toe. Can Connacht win it? Absolutely. 100%. I have no doubt they can win it. Of the four teams left, there is nothing between them but I would give Connacht the tip purely because they are at home.”

When Mannion played for Connacht, quite often, it was in front of 200 or 300 die-hards who braved the Atlantic wet and cold to stand on the terrace. For the most part, the primary motivating factor for the Connacht players was pride and the lure of a rare victory.

How the landscape has changed today as 8,000 people clamour to get into the College Road venue! It’s now the ultimate field of dreams. It’s not lost on Mannion.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.