After a hard-fought BKT URC derby defeat, the head coach of Connacht, Pete Wilkins, found solace in the impressive return of Mack Hansen following his stint in the Rugby World Cup with Ireland. Despite the team’s frustrating loss against Leinster, Hansen’s outstanding performance brought a glimmer of hope for the Connacht squad.
Having missed the first six games of the season due to an ankle injury sustained in the World Cup, Hansen’s return was a sight to behold. The 25-year-old winger displayed remarkable prowess, racking up over 130 metres, beating nine defenders, making three clean breaks, offloading twice, and securing two try-assists. Wilkins praised Hansen’s well-rounded performance, highlighting his composure and tactical decision-making on the field.
Despite the disappointment of their recent defeat, Wilkins sees an opportunity for redemption in their upcoming match against Bordeaux-Begles in the Investec Champions Cup. He believes that the frustration from their loss can be channelled into a strong performance against Bordeaux, emphasising the significance of this platform to showcase their capabilities.
In addition to Hansen’s return, Connacht may see the comeback of Bundee Aki, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury. Wilkins expressed hope for Aki’s availability for the upcoming game, along with updates on other players’ injuries.
On the opposing side, Leinster’s head coach, Leo Cullen, acknowledged the significance of finding the right balance in team selection and expressed satisfaction with their recent performance. He discussed the process of analysing various aspects of their team in preparation for future matches, highlighting the continuous improvement of their squad.
Cullen also discussed the arrival of Jacques Nienaber, South Africa’s double World Cup-winning coach, and the positive impact he has brought to the team in a short period of time. With the support of their coaching staff, Cullen is optimistic about the team’s progress and the momentum they are building.
In conclusion, despite the defeat, both teams are focused on seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. As they prepare for their upcoming matches, the coaches and players are determined to showcase their best performances and make a meaningful impact on the field. Fans can look forward to witnessing the determination and resilience of these teams as they continue to strive for excellence in the upcoming fixtures.
Catch the highlights of the weekend’s action on Against the Head, RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, Monday 8pm.