Connacht head to the RDS for first of three big derbies over festive period

‘CHRISTMAS time, cricket, thongs and sunshine’ doesn’t quite have the same ring to it as Cliff Richard’s classic Christmas carol but they might be more apt lyrics for an Australian audience, judging by Andy Friend’s description of the festive season Down Under.

This is the Aussie’s first Christmas in Galway; and while it’s markedly different from what he’s accustomed to, the Connacht head coach is enjoying the festive buzz of his adopted home.

“The city comes alive, doesn’t it? I actually spent Sunday walking through Eyre Square in the Christmas Market. It’s very different to home where we’ve got sunshine and thongs and a game of cricket. But here you’ve got Irish coffee and a few other nice things to think about. I’m looking forward to it (Christmas in Galway), I’ve got my family over here, so it should be a good time,” said Friend.

He’s looking forward, too, to three cracking Christmas inter-provincials over the coming weeks. First up is a bruising encounter at the RDS on Saturday (7.45pm) against Leinster, a derby that has produced a fair bit of niggle in recent years and some pre-match trash-talk (most notably in September from Ireland prop Cian Healy, who had a pre-match rant about respect, or the Westerners’ perceived lack of it).

Then it’s Ulster at home after Christmas (December 28) followed by Munster at the Sportsground in the first game of the New Year (January 5).

No rest for the wicked. And Friend is acutely aware of the importance of producing results against the provinces.

“They’re crucial, aren’t they? For any team, these three games in the Pro 14 can make you or break you. In our pool, we have Munster sitting ahead of us. Leinster and Ulster are sort of battling out the top in the other pool. We’re all pushing for spots and so it has that added flavour to it.

“You’ve got the obvious flavour of Irish players versus Irish players and everyone trying to impress Joe Schmidt and his coaching staff. Definitely it’s a juicy period, and great for the fans over Christmas to sit back and watch some quality rugby,” he said.

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

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and  county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.