Connacht delivered a deserved 26-14 victory over Ealing Trailfinders at Dexcom Stadium last weekend ahead of the upcoming URC season.
And, having also won their challenge fixture against Vannes in France, Connacht is looking for a positive start to the new competitive season.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster says the recent fixture against Ealing, who won the English first division last season, was the “perfect game” in preparation for the Stormers’ upcoming visit.
A change to the English outfit’s defensive system - similar to the Stormers - played into Connacht’s hands for their preparation, in addition to Trailfinders’ “aggression and physicality”.
Connacht start the season with more Connacht players having featured for Ireland, while the two pre-season games have given Lancaster the opportunity to utilise most of his squad in preparation.
Three significant signings are Leinster and Ireland outhalf Ciaran Frawley, Ireland flanker Will Connors, and South African prop Francois van Wyk, who has joined from Bath. In addition are former Leinster loosehead Jerry Cahir and tighthead prop Thomas Connolly, a Kinvara man, who has represented Leinster A.
Connacht 'in a better place'
As a result, Lancaster feels he is in a better place than last season.
“I’ve got a clearer idea. Players I've brought I would know pretty well, and the younger players have got that extra level of experience.
“Training is very competitive, and it's going to be competitive when it comes to selection as well. We’re at a point where we've got probably two or three good players in every position, which is what you need, and it forces players to play well.”
The development of Connacht's younger players has been a key factor, he says, as demonstrated by their 59-0 Eagles win over Ulster Development. That's in addition to a superb win over Vannes in France, where a host of youngsters enjoyed game time, while also training with the professional squad.
The only current downside has been the loss of hooker Dylan Tierney Martin and Harry West with injuries.
Now on a week off, Lancaster will hold his final training week in the build-up to the URC start.
Internationals Cian Prendergast, Sean Jansen and Ciaran Frawley, will rejoin the squad, but they will not be available for the opening rounds, while new recruit Will Connors continues to rehab. Also unavailable is Hugh Gavin, who is also recovering from injury.
“Training is very competitive, and it is going to be competitive when it comes to selection as well. We are at the point in Connacht where we have two, if not three good players in every position, which is what you need. And it forces the players to play well.”
As a result, Lancaster is better placed this season, he believes.
“I came in last season not knowing anyone, and a lot of lads were out of contract - 18 or so. I had to work out who couldn’t deliver at the level I needed. So it is easier this time round because I have a clear idea. The players I have brought in I know pretty well, and the younger players have that extra level of experience.
At the end of last season Connacht were missing some big players, but the upshot, he says, was experience for those youngsters who would not otherwise have started, while also being more conscious of the demands on his squad now playing in the Champions Cup.
“The season is 10 months, so you have to use our squad and trust our squad to get to a point where are we are still fighting fresh and fit at the end.”
“The URC is unique - you have different styles, different countries, travel is a factor, and there are no gimmies. We know we will have to be at our very best. We were pleased with last season, but it now starts from zero.”
Return to Champions Cup
Now in Champions Cup rugby, Lancaster concedes that Connacht need to be better.
“We were good in certain games, and played excellent rugby, but the consistency over the season and knowing what I know about Toulouse, Saracens, Exeter and LaRochelle, this is top-end rugby. The resources they have are phenomenal, so we need to punch above our weight in Europe and the URC.”
And with Stormers first up, he says they will want revenge from the game in Capetown.
“We need to be better, we want to progress, get into to the play-offs in both competitions, we want to give ourselves the best chance to get to the quarter-finals and semis.”
Improvements have been made, but there is no guarantee in any sport, he says.
“Certainly rugby is one of those sports when on any given day any team can win - if you get our emotional pitch right, you get the bounce of the ball.”
Lancaster says the squad is “better across the board for sure.”
“We have strength in depth in every position, and the younger players who got experience last year, are a year older.”
Players such as Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, and Sean Jansen have gained experience with Ireland, while Ciaran Frawley “brings an uplift”.
“We are now creating strength in depth. It’s a good squad now and we can go better on both fronts for sure.”
