Andy Friend thrilled at Connacht's burgeoning squad depth

ON THE MARK: Connacht's David Hawkshaw converts a try during the EPCR Challenge Cup match at The Sportsgrounds, Galway. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Connacht 22 Newcastle Falcons 8 

Andy Friend believes that Connacht can strengthen their squad by using the Challenge Cup to try out players and he said the policy paid a rich dividend on Saturday when they defeated a strong Newcastle Falcons side despite making a dozen changes to the team which beat Benetton the previous week.