High-flying Connacht happy to stay grounded

Connacht are thankful to be back on home soil for this evening’s European second round fixture against Brive in the Galway Sportsground (5pm) after a marathon trek from Siberia.

The three-day delay after overcoming Russian newcomers STMenisei 31-14 in Krasnoyarsk last Saturday has affected Connacht’s preparations, but coach Pat Lam says the attitude has remained “upbeat and positive”.

With several players left at home, and others recovering from injuries, Lam has brought in fresh legs with 13 changes.