Connacht return to league action with away clash against Dragons
THE Rabo Direct Pro 12 returns this weekend as Connacht are in Newport to play the Dragons on Sunday (3:05, live on TG 4) with some reason to be optimistic about causing an upset against the east Wales side. Three wins on the bounce since the start of February has Pat Lam’s men in ninth and a win here should move them into seventh.
The future of European rugby competitions is the main topic of conversation at the moment and a new accord is about to be signed by the various stake holders. Under the proposed new agreement for European competition, the Pro 12 will have seven qualifiers for the main Cup competition each season. This would be comprised of the leading team from each of the four nations, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy plus three others.
On current standings, Leinster, Ospreys, Glasgow and Treviso would fill each of the four slots while the three additional spots would be filled by Munster (58 pts), Ulster (55 pts) and the Scarlets (36 pts). Connacht (27 pts) have some considerable ground to make up in just six games, but the new format will change the dynamics of league play in the coming weeks.
The Dragons (28 pts) are also chasing the Scarlets for that last qualification position and are coming off a bad display at Ulster three weeks ago. That makes Sunday’s game even more important. If Connacht are to stand a chance of securing one of the three additional places, they’ll need a win this Sunday ahead of their trip to the Scarlets a week later.
So that’s two away games that could completely transform a season. Wins over Edinburgh, Zebre and Treviso in recent weeks have given Lam’s side some much needed momentum during a period of much disruption with injuries and unavailability.
It was reported this week that Craig Clarke faces a crucial scan which could determine the future of his career early next month as he continues to sit out training and match action due to concussion related problems.
Meanwhile, centre Kyle Tonetti has retired after a long spell on the sidelines. The former Leinster centre had very little chance to make an impact at the Sportsground in the past couple of seasons due to a succession of injury set backs.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.