Return of international contingent strengthens Connacht’s hand for trip to Wales

By Rob Murphy

THE rugby continues for Connacht on Saturday with a trip to Wales to take on the Dragons at Rodney Parade (5.15pm). It’s been a happy stomping ground in recent seasons for the men in green and after their big win away to Edinburgh on their last outing, hopes will be high that they can start to build some early season momentum in the PRO14.

Following an unexpected break from action last weekend with the postponement of their home clash with Benetton (due to two Covid-19 cases in the Italian’s squad), Connacht will head into this game eager for an opportunity to build on the promising rugby they were able to produce in their high scoring victory at Murrayfield.

The break probably didn’t come at a great time, especially for some of the emerging squad members keen to make an impression during the international window. It didn’t come at a good time for Andy Friend either, because the five-try demolition of Edinburgh saw his side play some of the best rugby we’ve seen since the victory over Ulster in the Aviva Stadium back in August, and he would have hoped for more of the same against the Italians.

There is good news for Friend however. He is welcoming back the bulk of his international contingent for the coming weekend with Quinn Roux, Jack Carty and Kieran Marmion who didn’t see action, and Ultan Dillane, FinlayBeallham and Dave Heffernan who were involved in both Six Nations encounters, all training with the squad and available for selection this weekend.

One name is missing there. Bundee Aki started both games for Ireland in the conclusion of the 2020 Six Nations and is understandably down for some much needed rest ahead of a busy run of November internationals starting on Friday week with a home tie against Wales at the Aviva Stadium.

The Dragons are also welcoming back some international squad members. Five in total – Keon Brown, Ross Moriarty, Aaron Wainwright, Nick Tompkins and Jonah Holmes. The Newport side lost at home to Munster on Monday evening 28-16. It’s a third straight defeat against Irish provinces and there only win in so far this season was a home triumph over Zebre.

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

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