Ready for tough test

WHAT a difference a couple of weeks can make!

Two wins in a row, a crucial one against Newcastle in the league followed by a tough away win against Perpignan in the south of France.

As a squad we are pleased to have grafted out these two hard fought wins, however there is still a slight element of frustration as we know we are capable of playing much better rugby.

Although this seems a rather pessimistic view, I believe this is crucial for the squad as it shows the willingness to improve and get better each week.

The five-point away win this weekend has set us up perfectly to really attack this group and we have another great opportunity this weekend as we welcome Connacht to the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday.

They are coming into the game after a good win against Bordeaux so we know it will be another tough test.

They try to play with a very high tempo and have some dangerous players, especially in the backline so we know we will be in for a real test. Unfortunately, our-fly half AJ MacGinty won’t be lining up against his old team as he has been ruled out for a few months following shoulder surgery.

However, all being well we should have Chris Ashton and James O’Connor back, which will give the squad a real lift.

I know how frustrated they have been to be watching from the sidelines in this early part of the season so having them back in will give the squad a real buzz.

CONNACHT Rugby are the visitors to the AJ Bell Stadium for the Round 2 game in Pool 3 of the European Challenge Cup on Saturday, with kick off at 3pm.

Both sides made winning starts, Sale Sharks finishing strongly at Perpignan to pull off a six-try 41-24 victory, while, next day, Connacht beat Bordeaux-Begles 22-10 at The Sportsground in Galway.

A home win was always the likely outcome as the game evolved, starting with Kyle Goodwin’s 14th -minute try.

The Australian winger added a second soon into the second half and picked up the ‘man-of-thematch’ accolade.

Although replacement number 8 Afa Amosa pulled a try back for Bordeaux, Connacht replied on 67 minutes through Finlay Beaham to secure the home win.

Jack Carty chipped in with two conversions and a penalty on a windy day by the Atlantic coast.