Lam targets victory on bogey ground

There is considerably more positivity surrounding the future of Connacht Rugby this week with the signature of their first All Black and the appointment of new chief executive Willie Ruane, but it may not translate into a much-needed win when they face a wounded Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium this evening (6.30pm).

Both are playing for pride. The Ospreys missed the top four after a surprising loss to Zebre last weekend while Connacht are similarly hurting, having self-destructed when enjoying a 15-3 lead over Cardiff.

“Playing them in their back yard has always been a challenge for us,” coach Pat Lam said. “We haven’t won over there in 10 years. No one will give us a chance, but it’s up to us to change the record.”

Lam has made four personnel changes, including dropping Robbie Henshaw to the bench, with Dave McSharry restored to centre.

CONNACHT: D Leader, D Poolman, E Griffin, D McSharry, M Healy, M Nikora, K Marmion, D Buckley, D Heffernan, A Muldowney, M Kearney, A Browne, C Gilsenan, J Muldoon (capt).

Replacements: J Dinneen, F Bealham, R Ah You, m Swift, E McKeon, C Blade, D Parks, R Henshaw.