Having ended Ulster ‘jinx’, Connacht turn attention to addressing record in England

By John Fallon

Connacht have knocked down many barriers in recent years, their first win in Belfast since 1960 over Ulster a couple of weeks ago the latest chip at decades of underachieving.

Their success in France has been outstanding, but they get the chance on Saturday to rectify a major shortcoming in Salford near Manchester when they will bid for what will be only their third win in 23 visits to England since the game went professional when they take on Sale Sharks (3pm

Just about every other milestone has been reached in recent times and with new coach Andy Friend bringing them forward with confidence after two years of decline, the time couldn’t be more right for a rare win in England.

However, the prospect of a third win in England is going to be difficult with Sale Sharks coach Steve Diamond, speaking after their excellent 41-24 win in Perpignan on Friday night, making it clear they are going full-strength, including a likely debut for Chris Ashton as the former England winger comes back from a seven-week ban which has delayed his debut since the summer move from Toulon.

“We pride ourselves, as Connacht do, on our home record. We take this competition very seriously, the club have won it twice,” said Diamond.

“Chris Ashton will be back, we have a few others back in the fold as well and we will be giving it everything.

“With ourselves and Connacht in this group there is going to be one big battle and we need to get ourselves ready for that,” he said.

Connacht, fresh from the 22-10 win over Bordeaux-Begles at the weekend, are also likely to rest some players but will also have others available.

International Kieran Marmion will miss Saturday’s Challenge Cup trip to Sale Sharks but should be back for the following week’s clash away to Ospreys.

Full-back Tiernan O’Halloran has recovered from injury and is available; while prop Denis Buckley, lock Ultan Dillane and back rower Paul Boyle, all who were rested for the 22-10 win over Bordeaux-Begles, are back for the trip to the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford. Prop, Peter McCabe, is going through the HIA protocols this week.

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

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