Connacht return to Dexcom Stadium for the URC’s round seven with a visit of South Africa’s most successful team, Vodacom Bulls, on Saturday (5.30pm ).
The Bulls, currently sitting in third place on the table, may be missing some internationals, but Connacht’s Pete Wilkins is relishing the prospect of a return to action since claiming a 31-7 win over the Dragons a month ago.
“It’s a great challenge,” says Wilkins. “I’ve been reading a fair bit of South African media myself, just trying to get a feel, obviously seeing that touring squad come out. But even if they protect some of those Springboks for the Saracens game, the guys, who are next in, are fantastic quality as well.”
Physicality is a “non-negotiable” in preparing for this fixture as the URC resumes after the Autumn Internationals.
“It’s exactly the sort of game you want when you're restarting a block of the season like this. In a game at home, you want it to be a big challenge. You want it to be an exciting spectacle for the supporters. And we can't wait.”
Wilkins will be missing a host of key players - the international quartet of Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham and Cian Prendergast, who remain with the Ireland camp - while rising star Hugh Gavin remains out of action till mid-February having undergone ankle surgery. Prop Peter Dooley continues to nurse a calf strain, while JJ Hanrahan, who continues to rehab his knee following surgery, is looking for a mid-January return. However good news is that both Dave Heffernan, released from the Ireland camp, and Argentinian Santiago Cordero are available for selection.
Currently sitting in fifth place, Connacht will be looking to consolidate their position, and although Wilkins says this round seven fixture is not a must-win, it is important to deliver at home in front of Connacht supporters.
“We all understand the importance of our home performances and our home results,” he says. “We need wins, so it’s a massive challenge.”
A victory would be a significant boost for Connacht - propelling them above the Bulls who currently occupy third place. With a single championship point separating the two sides, there is much a stake.
“Three and three going into the break in terms of wins and losses, it’s satisfying,” says Wilkins.
Valuable bonus points have boosted that tally, but Wilkins says they will not be enough in the long term.
“We can't rely on that either. We need wins, so it’s a massive challenge, but also the opportunity if we're able to do the business. I think we will understand the connotations of that.”
The Bulls, the most successful Super 14 team, won three out of the five titles - delivering both up front and in the backline.
“You have to at least match them up front if you're going to stand a chance of competing within the game. But at the same time, you can't turn the game so loose and try to run all those big forwards around, because with any loose balls, any loose kicks, they are team with outside backs who just absolutely love to work in that sort of environment.”
The selection of Connacht players for Ireland has been a real boost for the province. Cian Prendergast (24 ), who came on in the 48th minute for Josh van der Flier last weekend, joined younger brother Sam on the field, and became the 57th pair of brothers to play for Ireland.
Wilkins says it was a special occasion for them, their families and Connacht Rugby.
“It is some achievement for both of them, and for the family as well. It is very special. To see them standing alongside each other for the anthems, I just thought it was lovely.
“I was delighted for him [Cian] to get another opportunity with the national team, but specially to be able to share that with Sam on such a big occasion for them. And you know, I think they both did their cause overall no harm at all. So, another experience, another step forward. And you know, he'll continue to go from strength to strength.”
