Lam lays out ‘vision’ for Connacht

Connacht coach Pat Lam insists aspirational victories over fellow provinces do not define his developing side at the moment.

As Connacht seek a first interprovincial scalp this season, and a first over Munster since 2008, Lam says win or lose, Connacht are focused on a five-year vision.

“We are not defined by outcome, but we are judged by it,” he said. “And true success is not outcome. It is knowing you can look in the mirror and say ‘mate, that was my best today’, or ‘I have to do this better next time’.”

Although the interprovincial series is used as a barometer for the provinces, it is not, and never has been, a measure when comparing the two sides.

“We are up against it because of who Munster are and what they have compared to where we are. But it does not mean we don’t believe we can win and that we are not confident of winning. But we have to focus purely on our processes, our systems and structures, and we need all individuals to execute and do their jobs.”

While the former Blues coach “loves” his current crop of players for their “passion and work ethic”, there is no denying today’s match is the highest level some have played.

“When we get it right, we have shown what we can do; When we get it wrong, we have shown how bad we can be, and that comes back to the quality of players we have in the team.

“We definitely want the win, but you cannot suddenly go from five international caps to 20 like Munster. We only have one current international player, that is the fact, but we are hoping in the years to come, we will have more,” he said.

Lam has signed two key Super 15 players for next season “to help that process”. Hooker and prop Tom McCartney, whom he coached at the Blues, and centre Bundee Aki from the Chiefs, a player Lam was quick to point out replaces London-Irish bound Eoin Griffin and retiring Kyle Tonetti to stop speculation of Robbie Henshaw’s move to Leinster.

Today Henshaw is the only current international on the Connacht team, which also includes sub-academy and recent convert to hooker Jake Dinneen along with Conor Gilsenan, on the bench for the first time.

Frustratingly for Lam, who has been without his first choice 15 the entire season, is once again being forced to dip into Nigel Carolan’s academy and this is dictating to a large degree his recruitment programme for next season.

“Our player budget is the same as last year and my responsibility to Connacht is to get the best possible team. I have to look at the depth chart, making sure a number three can realistically challenge for the top spot, and also who is in the academy for cover.

“As a result some players will have to move. The hardest bit is making those calls because careers are on the line, but I have to go back to the vision for Connacht and my responsibility to the rugby board and the people to have the best.”

Following in the footsteps of Connacht’s favourite son Eric Elwood was always going to be a tough task, but Lam’s approach to coaching, influenced by a teaching career, is reaping rewards.

“I am a vision man. I want to know where we are heading and then I want help people along the way to get there, so when I came here there was a five-year vision and everything we do is about that vision, starting with the everyday things that you can influence like the culture, the structures.

“Vision drives our leaders, leaders drive our culture, and our culture drives our performance.

“That is what creates a legacy, so everything we do is about the vision, on and off the field, the players, the management and the whole organisation.”

Part of that coaching philosophy is to equip players with team skills so Connacht can be comfortable playing any style of game, improving players’ decision-making, and ensuring players have a self awareness and responsibility.

“There are relationships and performances and I don’t like to mix both, but if you do not understand a player, you will not truly get the best out of him.

“You have to get to know them, take an interest, spend time with them and understand them. One year down the track I know these guys a lot better, and it’s an ongoing thing... just like a marriage.”

With one year done — the high of Toulouse, the low of Saracens — one interprovincial victory this season would be another forward step. It would also keep Connacht in contention for finishing in the top seven, a best seasonal result.

“Having nearly done one year I believe we are closer to our vision than went I started and that gives me comfort. The barometer does not mean success or failure at the moment.

“I believe we have moved on and we are geared towards that vision of where they want to go.”