Jim backs pack to do business

Brive v Connacht Pool 5, tonight 8pm

BUNDEE AKI is back for Connacht but his coach expects the pack to be the difference in Brive tonight.

Despite outscoring their hosts three-nil on tries two years ago, Connacht faltered away to Brive as Thomas Laranjeira booted his side to the win.

Laranjeira will steer a much-changed Brive again tonight and the

Westerners’ forwards coach Jimmy Duffy has warned his side to be ready for a physical test. “For me down there last time, the volume of mauls in the games was a huge thing,” said Duffy (inset).

“There were a lot of hand-to-hand combat down there that night and it was a nice night there and here. You couldn’t let your guard down for any one second, it was pretty tough.”

The Aki-ahki centre partnership gets its first run for Connacht as Pita Ahki makes his European debut while Quinn Roux and Jack Carty return.

And there is also a first start for Sligo man Cillian Gallagher on the flank.

Brive only retain three of last week’s team that performed in the Top 14 against Oyonnax – a game they won 33-30 at home.

“We have got Europe this weekend which we are massively looking forward to,” said Duffy.

“It gave us a bit of a spark the last time. We are well up for it.”