Only once before have Connacht lost their opening two league matches at the Sportsground but Pat Lam appreciates they must show significant improvement to prevent that happening again when Ospreys come to Galway this evening (7.35pm).

Leinster 19 Ospreys 16: The view from the Leinster coaching box was this margin of victory should never have been so tight, but such is the strength of the Guinness PRO12 right now they can expect much of the same from here on in.

France 41 Canada 18: Another comfortable margin on the scoreboard for France, but doubts hang over Philippe Saint-Andre’s side ahead of their final Pool D encounter with Ireland on Sunday week after a workmanlike defeat of Canada in stadium:mk last night.

Pool D: France v Canada

GUINNESS PRO12

In a big day for Irish teams in the Guinness Pro12, Connacht’s needs are probably greater than the rest.

Ospreys 26, Munster 12: Anthony Foley was left scratching his head after seeing his Munster side blow the chance to return to the top of the Pro12.

Ospreys v Munster

For the second game in succession, Leinster coach Matt O’Connor has opted to make seven changes to his starting line-up.

If there is one person Ulster have missed more than any other during an injury-plagued 2014, it has been their cultured scrum-half Ruan Pienaar.

Leinster 18 Ospreys 12

GUINNESS PRO12:

Ospreys 45 Connacht 20

It does not get any easier for Connacht as the Ospreys, one of only two unbeaten teams this season, are the visitors to the Galway Sportsground for this evening’s Pro 12 fixture.

Leinster 29 Ospreys 29

Canada 14 Ireland 40

Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony is targeting improvements in this weekend’s clash with Canada.after beating the United States by just three points last time out.