Pat Lam says Connacht focusing on process and not occasion

Connacht coach Pat Lam hopes to finish 2016 on a high with a Guinness Pro 12 victory over Ulster at the Sportsground on St Stephen’s Day.

Lam’s side are the top try scorers so far in the tournament and are also unbeaten at the Galway venue in any competition this season.

However, Connacht’s only victory in their last 18 fixtures with Ulster was 26-21 at the Sportsground in April 2012, although they have managed to secure losing bonus points from each of their last two matches.

But such records don’t worry Lam unduly given his side’s 12-18 win over Munster last month which secured Connacht’s first victory at Thomond Park since 1986.

Lam said: “You can look at our history against Ulster and only one win in nine seasons but, for us, the main priority is to focus on the process of how we are going to beat this Ulster team.

“Our win over Munster just reinforces the idea of focusing on the process and not the occasion.

“Of course there is emotion after the game because these derby games have an extra bite to them and its neighbours against neighbours so it means that bit more once the job is done.

“We feel we missed an opportunity against Ulster this time last year at Kingspan Stadium and were extremely disappointed not to put the game away.

“We know we have to be extremely accurate or they will punish us. Nailing our detail and being clinical for 80 minutes will be crucial. That focus started on Monday. We have to be so detailed in every training session and every meeting to ensure that everyone is on the same page and in a position to execute the game plan we believe can win us the game.

“This fixture traditionally attracts some of our biggest crowds of the season and with the game nearly a sell-out, this weekend won’t be any different.

“The home crowd will play a huge part in Saturday’s game. Our first interpro at theSportsground and it’s all set up for a great night so we need to make sure we give our supporters something to shout about.

“We are unbeaten at home and despite the big challenge we face this weekend we are determined to keep that record intact going into 2016.”

Lam’s injury decimated squad was defeated in the Challenge Cup by Newcastle on Sunday but the coach hopes to have some key players back for their weekend assignment.

“On our injury front we’re hopeful to have a few guys passing fitness tests as late as Wednesday or Thursday and a bigger squad to choose from for the Ulster game.

“It’s great to be back to the PRO12 again and the back-to-back interpros at this time of year is always an exciting time for us as well as for the supporters.

“Ulster deservedly are full of confidence following their two impressive wins over Toulouse. I watched both games and it was an unbelievable performance from them against a quality French side. Ulster are the form Irish team at the moment and we understand the challenge we face with them coming to the Sportsground on Saturday.”