Connacht will not be taking anything for granted when they return to Wales this weekend to face Dragons on Saturday evening.
Having suffered an unexpected loss to fellow Welsh outfit Ospreys in the European Challenge Cup, Stuart Lancaster does not want a repeat in their bid to break into the URC top eight.
Currently just a point below Vodacom Bulls in eighth position, now is the time to add real impetus to their season with the top teams well within reach. And Lancaster is hoping the loss to an Ospreys side - five points adrift of Connacht in the URC - might drive them forward.
In what will be his first visit to Rodney Parade, he is not taking anything for granted.
"You know travelling is tough - tough for us this year - so we are not underestimating this trip at all," he says.
"Within the context of the season, this is really important for us to move our game forward.
"We know there is going to be a hostile crowd down there, but, once again, these are the games you really want to go and succeed in."
The Dragons will be brimming with confidence after a 23-21 home win against Lyon Olympique Universitaire in the EPCR Challenge Cup - having been behind 11-21 in the 72nd minute - and with the Welsh outfit on a high, Lancaster says the key is to start well, "to set the foundation of our game", and then "just grind out 80 minutes."
However, having hammered the Black Lions 52-0 last weekend, there is renewed feel-good factor, but there are still a host of key players injured.
Missing from his weekend’s fixture is Ireland international Finlay Bealham. Good news for Connacht is the return of captain Cian Prendergast and outhalf Josh Ioane after recovering from respective hamstring and groin injuries. Ireland international prop Finlay Bealham will be assessed later in the week following a head knock, while Sean Jansen, who was withdrawn from the Black Lions game due to illness, will also be monitored.
There is no update on Mack Hansen following foot surgery and Oisín Dowling, Byron Ralston, and Temi Lasisi (all knee injuries ). Out of action until late January will be Jack Aungier (elbow ), Sean Naughton (ankle ), Shane Jennings (quad ), and Oisin McCormack (hamstring ). Peter Dooley and Colm Reilly (both hamstring ) continue to work towards full fitness.
