Precariously perched in ninth place in the URC with eight wins and six losses - Connacht's chances of a Champions Cup spot for next season, as well as a semi-final berth for the current one - have been bolstered by victory over Zebre.
Much tougher challenges lay in wait however, and competition intensifies weekly with a log-jammed mid-table.
First impressions would suggest that Connacht made light work of Zebre Parma last Saturday evening. An efficient 54 - 16 performance made for a great start to this five-game run-in, albeit against a team languishing at the foot of the table.
Pete Wilkin's side were buoyed by the energetic and incisive Matthew Devine on his full debut. The Ballinasloe man was a constant threat around the breakdown, keeping the Italian side guessing as he ran in two impressive tries. He will be hoping to build on his man-of-the-match performance with some consistent game time going forward.
Against inferior opposition, the men form the west looked confident and assured on the ball. JJ Hanrahan was industrious at out-half, scoring a try of his own while influencing others aplenty. Furthermore, the pack was finally dominant after suffering in current fixtures.
On the flip side, defensive frailties still remain. Shane Jennings and the aforementioned Hanrahan were culpable for Zebre's tries, both of which could have easily been avoided. Jennings' mistake was a dropped ball which popped up nicely for the onrushing Jacopo Trullo to score. Hanrahan subsequently missed a half-hearted tackle in midfield for Lucchin to dot down, indicative of the consistent errors which have plagued this team recently.
It is difficult to discern whether or not the Dragons can upset the odds in Rodney Parade, but one thing is for sure, away fixtures in Wales are rarely won at a canter.
The Dragons are currently second last in the league with three wins and 11 losses. However, those three wins came at home, and Connacht will know that an improved performance is necessary.
In positive news, it is hoped that Mack Hansen will make his return against Munster after a long layoff. Santi Cordero may also come back before the end of the regular season, while John Porch's influence against Zebre means that Connacht fans can have renewed excitement about their back-three options.
Keeping Connacht's star-power fit for these final games will be vitally important. Aside from that however, their tight five (front row and second row ) will need to raise their performance levels to augment an ever-industrious back-row.
Physical parity against the bigger teams in the URC is hugely important to guarantee clean ball for Connacht's exciting backline. It is something that the Western province has struggled with thus far this season. Hence, they will be looking to their front five to lay this foundation both from a set-piece point-of-view and in open play.
Just three points separates seven teams in the competition with four games left to play.
If Connacht can secure a win away to the Dragons this weekend, then snagging results in the final three fixtures becomes a tad more hopeful.
Kick-off in Rodney Parade is at 8.00pm on Saturday, April 27.
