Scott Fardy wants Connacht to absorb French lessons

FRENCH LESSONS: Connacht Defence Coach Scott Fardy wants Connacht to absorb French lessons. Picture: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Connacht defence coach Scott Fardy said trips to France can be very formative for younger players and he expects they will learn a lot from this trip to the Stade Aime Giral on Sunday.

“I think it's why there has been a lot of talk about European rugby over the last week, and for me, it was some of the great experiences of my career going down to France when I was playing for Leinster and playing in France Test matches as well. I think it's still a massive part of the game. It's just going away and doing those things,” added Fardy.

“Going to South Africa the same, those kind of away day trips are great for a young squad, great for different guys getting experience. And, it's something you always remember.

“I always remember those games playing in France or playing in South Africa or playing wherever away from home and having the opportunity to do so. So I think it's a really special part of the game that. It's a huge challenge to get points away from home, which is massive in France. So you can see even in their own home leagues that it's a struggle to win away from home.”

Skipper Cian Prendergast is back to lead Connacht but their other three Irish internationals again sit out their second match in the competition.

It leaves Connacht hoping to back up their bonus point win over Zebre without Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham for the trip to Stade Aimè Giral.

Head coach Pete Wilkins has made nine changes, three of them in the backline and six up front.

Santiago Cordero, the Argentine international who scored his first try for Connacht last weekend, moves to full-back with Andrew Smith coming on to the left wing for his first appearance of the season, with Shane Jennings dropping out of the 23.

Debutant hat-trick hero Chay Mullins continues on the right wing with Byron Ralston coming in to replace David Hawkshaw in the centre. The third backline switch sees Matthew Devine take over scrum-half duties from Caolin Blade, who is rested after his 200th appearance, with Ben Murphy providing No.9 cover on the bench.

There is a new front row of Debis Buckley, Eoin de Buitléar and Sam Illo replacing Jordan Duggan, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Jack Aungier.

Joe Joyce takes over from Oisin Dowling to partner Darragh Murray in the second row, while the return of Prendergast is one of two changes in the back row where only Shamus Hurley-Langton survives.

Prendergast replaces Josh Murphy and Sean O’Brien comes in for Paul Boyle at No.8.

There is a 6-2 split on the bench where hooker Adam McBurney is poised for his debut.

CONNACHT: S Cordero; C Mullins, B Ralston, C Forde, A Smith; J Carty, M Devine; D Buckley, E de Buitléar, S Illo; D Murray, J Joyce; C Prendergast, S Hurley-Langton, S O’Brien. 

Replacements: A McBurney, J Duggan, J Aungier, O Dowling, P Boyle, B Murphy, D Hawkshaw, C Oliver.

PERPIGNAN: A Crossdale, J-L Joseph, E Buliruarua, A Naqalevu, M Granell, A Aucagne, J Hall; L Boyer Gallardo, S Lam, N Roelofse, A Ortombina, A Warion, N Della Schiava, M Hicks, A Dvali.

Replacements: V Montgaillard, J Barcenilla D’Onghia, K Brookes, B Chinarro, S Fa’aso’o, G Aprasidze, A Duguivalu