Humphreys’ inside track won’t be enough to derail Connacht

Former Ireland out-half is key to English side’s hopes, writes Cian Tracey

GLOUCESTER have a rich pedigree in the Challenge Cup that Connacht cannot match, yet Kieran Keane wasn’t about to get caught up in the English’s side’s history or the fact that only Harlequins have won more titles.

“I don’t even know that, it doesn’t worry me,” the Connacht head coach said.

The Westerners have saved their best form for Europe this season, and if they are going to be back playing in the Champions Cup, this is a must-win game.

The way the tournament is shaping up, Connacht may not even have to win it to ensure that they are back among Europe’s elite next season, as the other potential semi-finalists may qualify anyway through their domestic leagues.

Either way, this promises to be another huge occasion at a heaving Sportsground.

Gloucester are a dangerous prospect, but they are beatable. In former Ulster prop John Afoa, they have a hugely experienced campaigner, who will make his 100th appearance for the club.

The ex-All Black will look to lock down the scrum, while last summer’s Lions tourist Ross Moriarty will want a big performance before he joins Bernard Jackman’s Dragons next season.

Off the field, the insight that director of rugby David Humphreys can bring about Irish rugby has been crucial this week, as head coach Johan Ackermann outlined.

“You can’t read too much into their result against Edinburgh last week because they’re probably out of that competition and maybe the focus wasn’t there,” the South African said.

“But this is a big chance for them to do well in a highly-rated competition.

“They’re at home and they will be highly motivated. We have the likes of David Humphreys, Jonny Bell and Richard Hibbard etc who have played a lot of games there in the past who have told us that it’s a tough place to go to, the weather can change quickly and the crowd is quite verbal.

“They have got quality players who like to keep the ball and play an attacking brand and counterattack.”

Connacht will have a similar attacking mindset, which should make for a thrilling spectacle.

The return of Bundee Aki and Kieran Marmion will give the Westerners a huge boost, while Ultan Dillane’s impact off the bench could prove decisive.

“They love to play – very similar to us in their approach to the game,” Keane warned.

“They’ve got some big-name players who they rely on. They have had a bit of an indifferent season – highs and lows, like us. I think they are growing too.

“It’s going to be an on-theday thing for me. It’s all about preparation. You can’t hide from the fact that the challenges are going to be there.

“You desperately want your men to be well-prepared so they are comfortable.

“We’re working really hard at that. It’s going to be a huge challenge for us but it’s exciting for Connacht too. They will get a lot of growth out of it.”

The result this afternoon will make or break Connacht’s season, as well as having major ramifications for next year. Now is the time to deliver the big performance that they are due.