Connacht must step up for tough Zebre test

Connacht prop Denis Buckley knows the westerners will need a massive improvement to avoid a second defeat in a row away to Zebre in Parma tomorrow.

Now operating under former Connacht coach Michael Bradley, Zebre host the 2015-16 PRO12 champions at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi with the visitors desperate to bounce back from a 36-30 defeat away to Cardiff Blues last weekend.

But they are boosted by the announcement that versatile back row Sean O’Brien (22) has signed a two-year contract extension at the province, which will keep him at the Sportsground until the end of 2019-20. Connacht are fifth in the PRO14 Conference A standings, six points clear of Zebre.