Struggling Connacht face must-win away encounter against Italian minnows

AFTER succumbing to Glasgow Warriors at home a fortnight ago, the Connacht players were given the option of taking a week off, or getting straight back to the training field. They chose the latter.

The players obviously felt that with just two games remaining in the league, improving their performance levels and practicing areas that have let them down in the past five straight defeats, was more important than rest, as they make a final push for qualification to the European Champions Cup.

Part of that extra week’s training included a review of the Glasgow performance – head coach Pat Lam pointed out that Connacht had 37 chances against the Scots and scored just 13 points; Glasgow had 14 chances and scored 31.

He also revealed this week that two of the squad’s most experienced players, who will be leaving the province at the end of the season, took charge of a review session.

Veteran Michael Swift, who retires at the end of the month, and All-Black Mils Muliaina, who has signed for Zebre, gave a rousing presentation to the squad about the remaining two fixtures against Zebre away this weekend, and at home to Ospreys in the final league game of the season.

Muliaina and Swift outlined in detail what Connacht has already achieved so far this season, the club’s most successful ever. And more importantly they pointed out the importance of getting a victory in Italy, which would be their tenth of the season, and would keep alive hopes of Champions Cup qualification.

In their presentation, the departing duo put huge emphasis on the fact that this month, and in these last two games, will be the last time this particular squad of players will be together.

Lam said the presentation was, “really motivating and inspiring”. It sounds more productive, than say, a rest-week. Time will tell.

Lam has confirmed that everyone, who was injured for the Glasgow match, remains out this weekend. The casualty list includes: Jason Harris-Wright, Sean Henry, Nathan White, Michael Swift, Mick Kearney, Quinn Roux, Mata Fifita, Willie Faloon, Jake Heenan, Craig Ronaldson, Conor Finn, Dave McSharry and Mils Muliaina. He will name the starting line-up later this Friday afternoon.

Lam acknowledged that Connacht has “lost control” off their destiny. But he said that’s why the presentation was important, because Swift and Muliaina focused on what they can achieve, in terms of beating Zebre, and putting pressure on the two teams above them.

They must win in Italy to ensure that their Champions Cup qualification hopes go right down to the wire in the last game of the season, against Ospreys on May 16.

Lose to Zebre, who are bottom of the Guinness Pro 12, and Connacht can kiss goodbye to any chance of qualifying for the premier European competition next season.

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