CONNACHT’S QUEST FOR their first win of the season takes them to Italy this evening, where they face Zebre at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi [KO 5.05pm Irish time, not televised].
Pat Lam’s men suffered back-to-back home defeats to Glasgow and the Ospreys to open their Pro12 season, meaning a convincing victory on the road against the Italians is required.
A new second row
Among Lam’s six personnel changes are the introductions of Lewis Stevenson and Andrew Browne to the second row.
Stevenson had stepped back from professional rugby after his stint in Exeter last season, but with Connacht’s locking options rapidly dropping, the 32-year-old was called on in August. Lam will hope the Ireland Wolfhounds international can bring some grit in the set-piece and contact areas.
Browne, meanwhile, recovers from injury to take over from Danny Qualter as the primary passer in Connacht’s midfield pod of forwards. Browne was an able deputy for Aly Muldowney in that role last season and should allow Connacht to be more decisive with ball in hand.
Denis Buckley returning at loosehead is a boost for Connacht too, while JP Cooney gets his first start for the province at tighthead more than three years after his debut.
Defensive priority
Connacht’s attack certainly hasn’t threatened to move towards last season’s standard just yet, but it is in defence that they have their biggest worry.
The Ospreys and Glasgow both cut through Connacht’s defensive line far too frequently, very often because of simple missed tackles. Technically, Lam’s players have been poor in this facet of the game, with too many upper-body soak tackles.
The westerners also need to rediscover consistent linespeed and aggression in their collective defensive work. Zebre are still finding their feet in an attacking sense this season, meaning opportunity beckons for Connacht.
It’s an ideal opportunity for the likes of Bundee Aki, John Muldoon and Tom McCartney to set standards for the province’s defence. Improvement is badly needed.
Kelleher returns on wing
Cian Kelleher’s move from Leinster over the summer was one of the more interesting interprovincial transfers in recent times, particularly with the eastern province having been frustrated by the circumstances in which it happened.
The 22-year-old started at fullback in Connacht’s season opener against Glasgow, standing out when he was in possession but showing that he still has plenty of learning ahead in that position defensively.
Connacht’s back three communicated poorly that day, with their pendulum movement in the backfield shaky, but that is not all on Kelleher’s shoulders.
His return after a minor injury comes on the left wing, where he will perhaps have fewer decisions to make. It is vital for Connacht to feed Kelleher with possession as often as possible, given his constant ability to beat defenders and make yardage. His learning process continues this evening.
Connacht:
15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Bundee Aki
12. Eoin Griffin
11. Cian Kelleher
10. Jack Carty
9. Caolin Blade
1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney
3. JP Cooney
4. Lewis Stevenson
5. Andrew Browne
6. Eoin McKeon
7. James Connolly
8. John Muldoon (captain)
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. Ronan Loughney
18. Conor Carey
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Rory Moloney
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Shane O’Leary
23. Matt Healy
Zebre:
15. Edoardo Padovani
14. Gabriele Di Giulio
13. Giulio Bisegni
12. Tommaso Boni
11. Venditti Giovanbattista
10. Carlo Canna
9. Guglielmo Palazzani
1. Andrea De Marchi
2. Oliviero Fabiani
3. Pietro Ceccarelli
4. Quintin Geldenhuys
5. George Biagi (captain)
6. Jacopo Sorto
7. Maxime Mbanda
8. Federico Ruzza
Replacements:
16. D’Apice Tommaso
17. Postiglioni Bruno
18. Guillermo Roan
19. Gideon Koegelenberg
20. Derick Minnie
21. Carlo Engelbrecht
22. Tommaso Castello
23. Kayle Van Zyl
Referee: Ian Davies [WRU].
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