Key forwards Denis Buckley and Joe Joyce will be available for Connacht’s Challenge Cup fixture away to Perpignan on Sunday (1pm).
The pair have recovered from respective rib and foot injuries to ensure they can travel to Stade Aimé Giral for the second round clash, a week on from Connacht’s 43-12 opening win over Zebre.
The bonus-point victory put the westerner’s top of pool one while the French side claimed two points from a 20-20 draw away to the Cheetahs in Amsterdam.
Connacht defence coach Scott Fardy says despite Saturday’s home win, improvement is needed for their trip to France.
The Counter Ruck: the rugby newsletter from The Irish Times
Munster skills coach Mossy Lawler backs Mike Prendergast for head coach role
Connacht’s Bundee Aki pens contract extension in advance of URC clash against old foe Leinster
Leinster without Liam Turner for Connacht game, Jordan Larmour and Tom Clarkson in doubt
“We were happy to get the five points, but there are plenty of things to learn from that game to get better in all areas, and we have to get better to go and get a result over there.
“We were probably 80 per cent of everything – around some of the intensity. That is an improvement on the Bulls showing [28-14 loss in the URC on November 30th], but away in France, we have to be right.”
Fardy, who is making his first visit to the French city, says Perpignan are a dangerous outfit.
“We know playing them at home is always going to be difficult. They are a big, offloading side, they have dangerous individuals who play that typical French style of rugby, so we’ve got to be on our stuff and make sure we stick to what we do really well.”
In 2018 Connacht recorded a solid 36-21 win over a disappointing Perpignan, but at that time they were a struggling side having lost 15 games on the trot.
Why can't Irish rugby produce players with genuine pace?
“I think we want to be bringing our level of intensity, and that’s the whole point of going away,” Fardy adds. “It is to not disappoint home fans no matter where we go, I think we’ll make changes if necessary, but as a whole it will be pretty similar to last weekend.”
Fardy says the European competition is hugely beneficial for Connacht’s younger players, several of whom will be travelling with as part of the extended squad.
“It’s great for different guys to get experience. I always remember those games, playing in France, or playing in South Africa, or playing wherever, away from home, and having the opportunity to do so. I think it’s a really special part of the game.”
But the task at hand is by no means easy. “It is a huge challenge to get points away from home, which is massive in France. You can see, even in their own home leagues, it’s a struggle to win away from home.”
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
