Copeland debut can help spark Connacht’s season
FOR all of the positive noises about the first months of life after Kieran Keane, Connacht need a statement win to kick their campaign into gear.
Their interprovincial record under the much-maligned New Zealander was excellent, so there is logic in predicting that they could overcome Leinster or Ulster in the two weeks that follow Scarlets’ visit to Galway, but Andy Friend will feel there is no time like the present.
Scarlets represent a scalp that the Westerners can hang their hat on.
The Welsh region come to Ireland on the back of successive home wins and are able to name Springbok back-row Uzair Cassiem on their bench for the first time.
Friend, for his part, hands Robin Copeland his Connacht debut at No 8.
While his time at Munster was ultimately a frustrating one, there is no doubting the Wexford native’s abilities and, with Paul Boyle dropping out of the match-day 23 after a busy month, he will be expected to set the physical tone.
“We have been really impressed with Robin in the pre-season, both on and off the field,” Friend said of the man signed to replace retired captain John Muldoon.
“His energy and maturity have been a big addition to the wider group. He played 40 minutes for the Eagles side last weekend and he came through that OK after a niggly injury, so he is good to go for Scarlets.
“They are one of the top teams in this competition, so it is a massive challenge for us.”
The Scarlets welcome Rhys Patchell back from injury and will travel with confidence after winning their last two games at home to Leinster and Benneton. They are targeting this game as a chance to kick-start their own campaign. “It would really set our season up if we could get a win away in Connacht, which isn’t an easy place to go, so we’re really looking forward to this weekend,” coach Wayne Pivac said.
“Last week was pleasing to get the five points but obviously we have a lot of work to do. We didn’t have the best of performances.
“It was disappointing from our point of view that we didn’t back up that Leinster performance the way we wanted to but we were still good enough to score 38 points.”
So, there is plenty on the line for both teams.
Defeats to the Scottish teams have dented the positivity surrounding the new era in Galway and it would be unfortunate to go into the derbies on the back of three defeats out of four.
They are playing good rugby, based on a strong set-piece and a back-row that can win the physical battle; while the backline looks more formidable for the presence of Kieran Marmion and Bundee Aki who sit either side of Jack Carty who has made a fine start to the season.
The weather forecast is positive which should suit two teams who like to play positive rugby and Connacht will see this as a perfect opportunity to inject some momentum into their campaign.
Verdict: Connacht
CONNACHT – T O’Halloran; C Kelleher, T Farrell, B Aki, M Healy; J Carty, K Marmion; D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham; G Thornbury, Q Roux; S O’Brien, J Butler (capt), R Copeland. Reps: T McCartney, P McCabe, D Robertson-McCoy, U Dillane, C Fainga’a, C Blade, C Ronaldson, N Adeolokun.
SCARLETS – L Halfpenny; T Prydie, K Fonotia, H Parkes, J McNicholl; R Patchell, G Davies; P Price, K Owens (capt), S Lee; J Ball, S Cummins; E Kennedy, L Rawlins, B Thomson. Reps: R Elias, W Jones, W Kruger, D Bulbring, U Cassiem, S Hidalgo-Clyne, A O’Brien, P Asquith.
REF – M Mitrea (Italy)