Scarlets are up next in the URC as Connacht head to Llanelli after a great win in Rd 2. Last week’s win over the Sharks will be remembered for the comeback. Connacht 20 points down at halftime, went on to score 29 unanswered points to secure an incredible bonus point win. That was a game last season that would have turned ugly, but to see the half time team talk get the team turned around is a positive sign so early in the season. Pete Wilkins talking to the press early on in the week was open about how that 20 minutes of Sharks domination wasn’t good enough, especially after how positive the first 20 minutes was from a Connacht POV.
There are only 2 changes to the team as Connacht travel to Parc y Scarlets for the first time since their 29-23 win in 2022.
The forwards have put together two real physical performances back to back now, hopefully that will continue. Josh Murphy (starting) since his return has been tackling lads like they owe him money. But in general the tackle area is a place Connacht have been making life hard for the opposition. That said its not all bluster and power, patience and technique is there as well, something that has been missing over the years, especially while attacking the try line. Last week Connacht made it over the try line twice from close range (even if one got held up). While the maul gave Heffernan the opportunity to get over for two tries. These are some solid blocks to build a performance from.
An unchanged pack will help give that continuity fans have been looking for for a while. If Connacht can keep up the physicality, stop giving up the cheap penalties that type of pack performance will be a big factor in the outcome.
Connacht have scored 69 points in two games not all of that has come through the backs but the attacking shape, skill execution, and bravery in decision making has let Connachts backs shine. Mark Sexton is pretty much in control of the attack and this season so far you can tell there’s clarity across the players in what they are tying to do. On top of that the kicking game vs the Sharks led to some good territorial gains and one incredible try.
Ben Murphy will have Carty outside him for the first time this season, I’m looking forward to seeing how their skill sets compliment each other. Bundees return to the starting 23 will give the team an energy boost and if he can get into the game early on, his presence alone will give the back line space to attack. Cordero after his long injury lay off is still growing into the system and a game like this could be the one that sees him shine. If he and Mack have the types of touches on the ball they are renowned for it should be a goodnight for the Wilkins outfit.
Scarlets got beaten 24-15 at home by Cardiff in Rd 2, but with that they showed some real attacking flair. Scoring the first try of the game in just 14 seconds. Proving no matter their form they can hurt teams as they have a real attacking psychology. Scarlets though are going through a rough patch vs Irish teams, the last time the west Wales team beat any of the provinces was in March 2021, when they beat Connacht in Llanelli 41-36. Something they will want to repeat Friday night.
Connacht have won their last 3 games Vs the Scarlets, and usually these games tend to have high scorelines. Will Connacht get involved in another shootout in this year’s URC? Will another Scarlets match mean tries galore? Or can a more “business like” performance be put together by the men in green? In what is looking like an incredibly competitive URC season already Connacht can’t allow themselves to drop points on a bad performance.
Scarlets Team
15 Ioan Nicholas; 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Johnny Williams, 12 Eddie James, 11 Blair Murray; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Sam Lousi, 5 Max Douglas, 6 Josh Macleod (capt), 7 Dan Davis, 8 Taine Plumtree.
Reps: 16 Marnus van der Merwe. 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Sam Wainwright, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Carwyn Tuipulotu, 21 Efan Jones, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Macs Page.
Unavailable because of injury
Tomi Lewis, Joe Roberts, Steff Evans, Harri O’Connor, Shaun Evans, Archie Hughes, Vaea Fifita, Ed Scragg.
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU, 23rd league game)
AR 1: Mike English (WRU) AR 2: Ben Connor (WRU)
TMO: Christopher Allison (SARU)
Live on: BBC Wales, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
THE 2ND ROW 