Connacht keen to end their home blues in Cardiff clash

THE PRO14 returns this weekend as Connacht begin four straight weeks of action with a home tie against conference rivals Cardiff Blues at the Sportsground on Saturday evening (7:35). While Ireland struggle in the Six Nations and contract negotiations for next season’s provincial squads continue, getting back to some regular rugby will be a welcome distraction for all concerned.

The test is a tricky one,.Connacht’s home form has been surprisingly poor this season and they must stop a run of four straight defeats in Galway if they are to keep their Champions Cup qualification aspirations intact. Andy Friend’s side currently sit second in the standings, ten points back from clear leaders Munster and six clear of both Cardiff and Scarlets with a game in hand on both those sides. So they are looking strong for now.

It won’t take much to change that, a home defeat here to Cardiff would leave them looking very vulnerable as there will be three away games and just one home game left on the schedule. Then again, on current form, Connacht have won their last four away games so in Covid times, where supporters can’t attend, one wonders does the home venue have less of a meaning. It certainly seems to for Connacht.

“We’ve been guilty of not playing the conditions without a doubt. That shouldn’t be the case, if anyone should understand the conditions in the Sportsground inside out it should be us. We’ve also been guilty of not been clinical at the right moments, but that might have to do with the type of game we are trying to play. We need to find that balance of playing our game and making the right,” said Friend this week.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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