Some 3,000 supporters are expected at the Galway Sportsground when Connacht open their 2021 home season with a visit of London Irish on Friday (5.30pm ).
In this second of Connacht's pre-season fixtures, coach Andy Friend says it is another opportunity to continue to fine-tune his squad's seasonal mantra after the recent 52-39 defeat to Worcester Warriors in England.
"We said we wanted to be fast, relentless and adaptable, and we saw elements of that which was really pleasing, and we will see that again on Friday night," says Friend.
"Fifty-two points against you never looks good, but in my honest view, it wasn't as bad as that. From an attack point of view I was very happy with some of the key principles we have been working on, and from a defensive point of view, I was really happy with the energy, intensity and desire."
However, he says, accuracy needs to be better. "They definitely had the right intent, so they are looking to improve this week."
Friend expects to welcome a handful of Irish internationals in his match-day squad of 28, with players such as Dave Heffernan, Tom Daly, Caolan Blade, Ultan Dillane and Finlay Bealham having being involved in the national set up. In addition several recently contracted players could also feature, including the likes of Leva Fifita, Mack Hansen, and Sam Illo, who were not on the recent squad to Worcester.
Friend says the match is about continuing to express Connacht's playing philosophy.
"You never go into a game not wanting to win, but at the end of the day putting out 28 players this Friday means lots of blokes will be getting opportunities, and we just want to see that rugby identity coming through - that is the way we have been training for the last eight weeks and to see it on Friday night will be a real positive for us."
Another major plus is the return of spectators, he says.
"There is a real buzz about it. We have been 18 months without them and it will provide a really positive atmosphere."
Women's rugby
Three Connacht players have been named in the 28 player Irish women's squad for the upcoming World Cup 2021 Europe qualifier. Ballinasloe's Beibhinn Parsons is named in the backs, with Nichola Friday and Laura Feely in the pack. Former Connacht players Edel McMahon and Claire Molloy, now with Wasps, are also named.
The Connacht Women's XV take on Ulster in the final of this season's interprovincials when they meet at Energia Park on Saturday (2.30pm ) in the first of a double bill with Leinster and Munster fighting it out for the title.
This is a crucial game for the Connacht women, who need a win to finish the series on a high. Connacht picked up a vital bonus point against Leinster, and a win would certainly be a deserved boost, particularly after falling to leaders Munster by 31-7. However, that scoreline did little justice to Connacht, who up until the 58th minute were level at 7-7 apiece.
Player of the Match, Munster's Clodagh O’Halloran had taken advantage of an overstretched Connacht defence for the first try, but Connacht responded through Ursula Sammon, whose pace and power forced a gap in the Munster defence to touch down.
It stayed like that until the last quarter, with Connacht's immense defence keeping Munster out, despite being reduced to 14 after Kate Feehan was carded for a high tackle. However Munster eventually broke through in the final quarter for a comfortable victory.
Ross Mannion's women will be keen to put that behind them as they have a real opportunity to take points over Ulster, who suffered heavy defeats to both Munster (5-50 ) and Leinster (57-12 ).
On the domestic front the Connacht Senior League continued last weekend with Corinthians hosting Galwegians at Corinthian Park where the home side enjoyed a comfortable 50-10 victory.
