Stakes high for Connacht in Italy

Zebre v Connacht

The Italians, having already recorded a breakthrough Pro 12 victory over Munster at Stadio XXV Aprilej this season, are looking to overcome Connacht to break their Heineken duck. A boost to that expectation is that on the last two occasions they met, there was just single score between them.

That means it is a game of high stakes for both sides.

“It’s Heineken Cup rugby. They haven’t had a win in their history, they have openly targeted this game, and all the games have been very close,” said Connacht boss Pat Lam.

“The group going out today is different from the team that started the last time, so there are different stakes.”

Only six players named in today’s starting line-up featured in Connacht’s 25-20 win last year. Lam has made four changes to the side that went down to Saracens last weekend. The biggest call is the selection of James So’oialo at full-back, with co-captain Gavin Duffy dropping to the bench. The Samoan had been named to start in the centre last week, but due to permit difficulties, made his debut from the replacements.

“Gavin has done well and has played all the games, bar the first,” says Lam, “and, as can be seen from some of the injuries and knocks, they have been physical games, so it is the perfect time to make that change. It gives him a breather and we haven’t had that luxury in the past, so it is great James is finally able to start in the position he starts in international rugby.”

Lansdowne out-half Craig Ronaldson continues in the centre, providing an extra kicking option alongside outhalf Dan Parks, while Matt Healy, after a super start to the season, has recovered to take over the left wing from Fionn Carr. In an enforced change, Andrew Browne comes in for the injured John Muldoon in the back row, while Ronan Loughney returns from injury to start in the front row, with Rodney Ah You moving to the bench.

Zebre have five changes from the team that lost 38-5 to Toulouse in France, and it includes a new front row.

That is an area in which Connacht have been solid and, coupled with a perfect line-out from Sean Henry — the only player in last weekend’s cup matches to boast a perfect record — Lam now expects the fine weather will play its part today.

“A lot of time has been spent on the game plan to beat these guys and, on a dry day, it gives us an opportunity — and no excuses — to execute it, and that is the pressure.

After the emotional high of last week’s near win over Saracens, Lam says it must now be geared properly in today’s game plan.

“We know what we need to do to beat Zebre. It’s now all about executing it and putting all that emotion again into it.”