COPELAND OUT TO SHOW WHY HE’S REAL DEAL

THE name ‘Paul Boyle’ will be ringing in Robin Copeland’s ears as he prepares to make his competitive debut for Connacht against Scarlets tonight. Boyle has been sensational for Andy Friend’s men in their first three outings, the 21-year-old former Ireland Under 20 captain taking advantage of Copeland’s injury to announce himself as a potential future Ireland international earning deserved comparisons with Peter O’Mahony for his athletic lineout displays and allround impact. Boyle’s development, allied to the impressive form of captain Jarrad Butler have helped offset the retirement of John Muldoon, Connacht’s longstanding backrow inspiration and Copeland (above) adds to the province’s depth in this key area. After a successful spell with Cardiff, the former St Mary’s man never truly established himself during his four seasons with Munster but, at his best, the 6ft4in 30-year-old is a devastating runner with a style suited to Connacht’s free-flowing approach under Friend. He will need to be at his best in the Sportsground this evening because the Scarlets are formidable opponents and carry impressive momentum into the clash on the back of home wins over Leinster and Treviso. Wayne Pivac’s side have a seam of Welsh international ability running through their team, from Leigh Halfpenny at full-back, to Hadleigh Parkes in the centre, out-half Rhys Patchell, captain and hooker Ken Owens and Jake Ball in the second row. However, Scarlets are less convincing away from Parc y Strade, losing in Ravenhill first up, and Connacht will fancy a rattle off them before a packed house in Galway. Friend’s men did well to get out of Edinburgh with a losing bonus last weekend after a fractious encounter in Murrayfield and with Bundee Aki starting at 12 this evening next to Tom Farrell, they have realistic designs on an upset. ‘It’s a massive game for us,’ said Friend. ‘Scarlets are a quality side but we have a really healthy competition in our squad and that is exactly what we need as the big games keep coming.’ He is not wrong, with Leinster next up at the Sportsground, Connacht need a boost to continue the post-Kieran Keane regeneration process. Connacht were only denied a win by referee error in their home opener against a class Glasgow outfit and if they can hit that level of performance again, they have a genuine shot at catching out the Scarlets.