Champions Cup: Connacht looking forward to return leg with Leinster

Dylan Coetzee

2J3JR2W Connacht's John Porch celebrates after scoring their side's first try during the Heineken Champions Cup match at The Sportsground, Galway. Picture date: Friday April 8, 2022.

Connacht senior coach Pete Wilkins and his side are looking forward to travelling to the Aviva Stadium for their return leg in their last 16 clash with Leinster this weekend.

The Galway men narrowly lost the Champions Cup first leg 26-21 at home after a fightback late in the game did not prove enough to take the win.

All to play for

However, the brand-new two-leg format means Connacht are still in the fight, and a quarter-final spot will be all to play against for in Dublin.

Connacht has fond memories at the Aviva Stadium claiming an Ulster scalp, and Wilkins believes that has brought about excitement in the camp.

“We do have good memories of playing up there and the games in which we have been successful in that environment. It’s not just our internationals, but the guys who played up there with games post-lockdown and the Ulster game more recently,” he told reporters.

“So there is a real positive vibe in getting to play in a really great stadium, but also knowing we can travel up there and win up there, and against different opposition as well.”

Wilkins wants Connacht’s players to embrace the occasion and use the excitement to power a good performance.

“It will probably be the biggest crowd some of these players have played in front of, so the challenge is how you embrace the occasion, rather than let it consume you. But knowing the personalities and temperament of the lads we will be picking this week, we know they can handle it. So, part of the selection is about rugby, but it’s also about guys who can handle that stage,” he said.

Connacht came into the tie against Leinster as underdogs but showed great fight to only lose by five points giving them a chance going into the second leg, underlining the benefits of the new two-leg structure.

“There was a reassurance we can perform at that level. It comes back to consistency. The way we approached last week, obviously it was a big interpro, but the way the whole squad applied themselves in the week’s build-up – around their analysis of opposition, their diligence in preparation – everything that would go into that kind of performance was there. It was a timely example to the whole group as to what’s possible, and has now set a standard for the group and they need to continue to back it up,” Wilkins added.

“If nothing else the first leg shows we remain diligent in playing our way and taking three points when they come and kicking when we need to, running ball when we get the opportunity – to have that balance to the game, we can stay with them on the scoreboard, so it sets us up nicely for the second game.”

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