Lam banks on stroke of good fortune

HEINEKEN CUP POOL 3:

However unlikely Connacht’s chances of qualifying from their group — particularly with Toulouse still to play Zebre in the final pool three round — coach Pat Lam says upsets can happen.

“If you are alive in that last week, then all options are open to you because you never know what may happen in other results. Our main objective is to come away with the points, however they come,” he said.

Pride is also at stake for both sides in this fifth round game.

Connacht, having already beaten both Zebre and Toulouse away, need to display consistency with a home victory over the Italians.

Having never lost to the Parma-based outfit Pat Lam’s side enjoyed its biggest victory over Zebre in round two this season when racing away to a 33-6 win.

However, Zebre, having already bagged two Pro 12 victories to push Connacht into last place, arrive at the Sportsground determined to finally take the spoils in what has traditionally been a tight game.

As a result Lam says Connacht need to remain focused.

“We are confident if we play to our potential and do all the good things right as a group, we can win the game, but we are not underestimating them. Zebre have been improving with every game and they deserved their win against Treviso last week. That was a good boost for them so they will arrive here full of confidence to get their first ever win in the Heineken Cup.”

Despite the disappointment last weekend against Leinster, Lam has kept faith with his young backline, preferring to play Academy out-half Jack Carty and full-back Darragh Leader in place of the experienced Dan Parks and Gavin Duffy, who missed last week’s fixture with injury. Up front Lam welcomes back openside Jake Heenen from a shoulder injury but has lost captain Craig Clarke with a neck strain.

As a result John Muldoon, who takes over the captain’s armband, returns to the blindside with Andrew Browne joining Mick Kearney in the second-row. The second personnel change sees Sean Henry back in the front-row with Jason Harris-Wright moving to the bench.

“This is Jack’s first taste of Heineken Cup rugby and also a first start for young Darragh Leader. Our selection comes down to what we believe is the best chance to get the win. We put them out against the best team in the competition [Leinster] with 16 internationals and 13 who played for Ireland in the last test match against the All Blacks, so it was a massive confidence boost for them.”

Zebre coach Andrea Cavinato has made four changes to his starting line-up from the team that started in their 14-12 win over Treviso last weekend and says his squad will be travelling in determined mood.

“We need to make up for the poor displays that we’ve shown in Europe this year. We need to play well in Europe starting this weekend against Connacht.”

It ensures today’s fixture is likely to be another tight affair. Home advantage should swing it for Connacht.