Connacht has changed Irish rugby forever

How much of a favour has Connacht done Irish rugby? It’s an interesting topic. Indeed, they may have done the country some service.

Are they ready to literally change the face of the Irish XV meeting South Africa at Newlands tomorrow. Not yet, even if the composition of Joe Schmidt’s back three is interesting in itself.

However, in one important way, the manner of their ascension to the podium position in the Pro12 has changed rugby forever in Ireland. It has changed coaching, changed the perception of how we should do things. How detailed coaching, unbelievable hunger levels, and attitude can override strict templates and blueprints. Connacht, under Pat Lam, is a team with a serious game plan and they practise it.