Consistency the aim as Connacht set sights on Brive double

AS weeks go, the last seven days have been pretty important for Connacht.

Coming from 19 points down to win away in France was a mark of the squad’s character and the task now is to build on that for the rest of season.

To add to the feel-good atmosphere out west this week, Kieran Marmion signed a fresh two-year contract, while prop Conor Carey also extended his stay.

The Challenge Cup has been a welcome distraction for Connacht all season.

Domestically, their Guinness PRO14 campaign is not going well but in Europe, they are unbeaten and flying high at the top of their pool.

Brive arrive in Galway this afternoon (3.0) still in with a shout of making it to the knockout stages but realistically, the French side are going to have one eye on their own domestic struggles.

Brive are 12th in the Top 14, just four points off the bottom, and while Connacht may also be having a tough time of it, the massive difference is that the Westerners do not have to worry about being relegated. Brive do.

COMEBACK

It hasn’t all been plain sailing since Kieran Keane arrived in the province but last weekend’s stunning comeback could be the turning point and the spark Connacht need.

The winners of this season’s Challenge Cup will automatically qualify for next season’s Champions Cup and that is where Connacht want to be playing.

Keane has made three changes to his side with Darragh Leader, James Connolly and James Mitchell, who makes his first start for the province, coming into the starting XV.

Should they need it, Connacht have a raft of experience on the bench in Tom McCartney, John Muldoon, Marmion and Tiernan O’Halloran.

“We are hoping to use the win over Brive last weekend to kick us off to another good run of form,” backs coach Nigel Carolan said.

“We have some big games coming up and maintaining a level of consistency is what we are aiming to achieve. We can’t afford to be complacent though.

“We haven’t played at home in a few weeks, so the lads are looking forward to being back out in front of a festive home crowd and producing the performance that can achieve a good result.

“The most important thing for Connacht Rugby is consistency. I think when you can go out and beat the Munsters of this world, and the Cheetahs and then you go and drop your standards, that’s just been frustrating.

“We know that on the inside; we know that on our team reviews; we know that from our trainings. We strive to keep the highest standard.”

Connacht have let those standards slip far too often this season but the confidence that their European campaign will give them should breathe life into their overall season.