Pat Lam wields the axe as Connacht battle for play-off spot

The landscape has changed a lot since Connacht last headed to Edinburgh.

It will soon be a year since thousands of supporters made the journey from the west to cheer the province to that unforgettable 20-10 Guinness PRO12 final win over Leinster, the first trophy in their 131-year history.

The target is lower this evening for a first visit to Myreside (7.35pm, TG4) where victory will ensure Connacht finish no lower than eighth and, in the process, ensure their place with another PRO12 side — almost certainly Cardiff Blues — along with the French and English team which miss out on automatic qualification, for a crack at the remaining spot in next season’s Champions Cup.