Connacht head to France to continue their European challenge after a solid opening home victory over Zebre last weekend.
Pete Wilkins’s side is gearing up to face a typically big French outfit in Perpignan on Sunday (1pm ), knowing a win away would put them in as strong position to qualify, with games still to come against Lyon (home ) and Cardiff (away ).
Perpignan is expected to present the biggest challenge in what can be a typically hostile French environment at Stade Aimé Giral, but Wilkins can welcome the return of two key forwards, Denis Buckley and Joe Joyce, who are fit for selection for this second European Challenge Cup pool fixture.
Buckley and Joyce have recovered from respective rib and foot injuries to ensure they can travel to the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales region following the 43-12 opening win over Zebre.
That bonus-point victory put them on top of pool one, but Connacht know they will face a tougher assignment against a solid French outfit that claimed two points in a 20-20 draw away to Toyota Cheetahs in Amsterdam, keeping them in contention.
As a result Connacht defence coach Scott Fardy says there is more improvement needed as they head to France.
“We were happy to get the five points, but there are plenty of things to learn from that game to get better at in all areas - and we have to get better to go and get a result over there.
“We were probably 80 per cent of everything - around some of the intensity. That is an improvement on the Bulls’ showing, but away in France, we have to be right.”
Fardy, who is making his first visit to the French city, says Perpignan is a dangerous outfit.
“We know playing them at home is always going to be difficult. They are a big, offloading side, they have dangerous individuals who play that typical French style of rugby, so we've got to be on our stuff and make sure we stick to what we do really well.”
In 2018 Connacht recorded a solid 36-21 win over a disappointing Perpignan home support, but, at that time, they were a side struggling, having lost 15 games on the trot.
“I think we want to be bringing our level of intensity, and that's the whole point of going away - it is to disappoint home fans no matter where we go. I think we'll make changes if necessary, but as a whole it will be pretty similar to last weekend."
Fardy, who enjoyed four years playing in the Champions Cup with Leinster, says the European competition is hugely beneficial for Connacht’s younger players.
“It’s great for different guys to get experience. I always remember those games, playing in France, or playing in South Africa, or playing wherever, away from home, and having the opportunity to do so. I think it's a really special part of the game.”
However, he says, Connacht will not find it easy against Perpignan.
“It is a huge challenge to get points away from home, which is massive in France. And you can see, even in their own home leagues, it's a struggle to win away from home.”
However, Connacht head to France with confidence, having produced a 43-12 win over fellow URC opponents Zebre Parma in last weekend’s opening cup fixture.Despite the Italians opening the scoring with a try and dominating possession, Connacht’s grabbed control for the remainder of the match.
It was a night celebration for several players also. Paul Boyle marked his100th cap, surpassing former backrow player, captain, and now coach, John Muldoon, as Connacht’s top try-scoring forward, while Caolin Blade celebrated his 200th cap.
