Friend puts faith in youth and positivity
ANDY FRIEND has made a hugely positive impression on Connacht in the few months he has been in charge. Of course, it helps that the comparison bar was set so low following the disastrous one-season reign of Kieran Keane but, even so, Friend is making all the right moves. As well as embracing the culture of the province (something Keane failed spectacularly to do), the Australian has mixed up his selections intelligently, promoting youngsters to infuse enthusiasm. And there is much to be enthusiastic about as the former Sevens supremo favours a fast-paced, handling game echoing the approach of the Pro12winning Pat Lam. It has brought Connacht to third in Conference A of the Pro14, putting a playoff spot on the table. That is the goal behind Friend’s decision to rest a raft of frontliners for this evening’s Challenge Cup clash in Perpignan. It’s a smart move. With the Christmas inter-pros on the horizon, Friend wants his key men fresh while giving Academy prospects like out-half Conor Fitzgerald and centre Kieran Joyce the chance to experience cup rugby in testing circumstances. And it will be testing. Perpignan’s angry fans will be screaming for a victory after 13 defeats and a draw from their 14 outings this season. That’s reflected in the home side tooling up for tonight’s clash in a big way but, even if Perpignan prove too powerful in the bear-pit surrounds of the Stade Aime Giral, it will benefit Connacht down the line. A win would be sensational in the circumstances and there is plenty of incentive as Friend’s men chase five victories on the bounce with experienced heads like Matt Healy, Robin Copeland, Tom McCartney and Jack Carty on hand to support the new wave. It demonstrates the depth in Connacht’s squad that they can be without players of the calibre of Bundee Aki, Tom Farrell, Kieran Marmion, Finlay Bealham, Paul Boyle and captain Jarrad Butler and still look like they could do damage. One interesting selection is David Horwitz at inside centre. The Australian was brought over as an outhalf but has not seriously threatened Carty at 10. Another player to keep an eye on is second row Gavin Thornbury. Ireland are not overflowing with options in the engine room department and the 6ft8in former Leinster Academy player, who did a stint with Wanganui in New Zealand, looks to have the bit of dog that could propel him higher. There is plenty here to intrigue and the pity is the game is not on live TV — because Friend’s men are going to have a cut and that is proving compelling viewing this season.