Bigger the giant, harder the fall is fiery Pat Lam’s motto

It’s a measure of how far Connacht have progressed in recent years that it will not be a major shock this evening should they beat the only side to win Europe’s premier competition four times.

Three years ago, in Pat Lam’s first season in charge, Connacht produced one of the most stunning results ever in the Heineken Cup when they defeated Toulouse 16-14 at Stade Ernest Wallon.

It was an early indication of what they might achieve under Lam, but it was a freakish result.