Lam: We’ll Need The Fans More Than Ever
It has been four weeks since Connacht’s last game at the Sportsground and as Pat Lam’s men prepare for Saturday’s ‘must win’ clash with Enisei-STM on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), the head coach has called on the supporters to make their voices heard.
“The Sportsground is massive for us and we are determined to get back to winning ways after just one loss this season here,” insisted Pat Lam earlier this week. “What makes this ground so special is the supporters and the atmosphere they create.
“It really makes a huge difference to the team. Personally, I still get goosebumps when I walk over from the Clan to the Main Stand for kick-off and I can’t wait for that again on Saturday.
“This game is make or break for us in terms of our European ambitions and we’re going to need our supporters more than ever. We are going to go all out to get the win and at least four tries, so it’s set up to be a really entertaining game and we’re hoping to have a packed out stadium.
“There is so much pride in representing Connacht and we can all feel the support when we’re meeting people in Galway during the week. We really appreciate it and are determined to put in a good performance on Saturday for our supporters as well as for ourselves.”
Connacht take on Russian side Enisei-STM in round 6 of the European Challenge Cup on Saturday at 3pm. Get your tickets for the Sportsground showdown here.
Meanwhile, in injury news this week, hooker Jason Harris-Wright suffered a concussion during the first half of the defeat to Brive last Saturday. The 27-year-old will continue to go through the return-to-play protocols.
Back rower Eoin McKeon returned from an elbow injury to start in the British & Irish Cup game for the Connacht Eagles last weekend. However, the Galway man sustained a hip pointer injury and is subsequently unavailable for selection this week.
Versatile back Darragh Leader also returned to match action when he lined out for the Eagles but re-aggravated a previous wrist injury during the loss to Doncaster Knights. The 22-year-old from Galway remains unavailable for selection as he consults a surgeon this week.
Meanwhile, Craig Ronaldson remains unavailable as pain continues on a shoulder impingement, and pending a surgical review and sign off on Friday, Ireland international Robbie Henshaw will be available to play against Enisei-STM at the Sportsground.
Scrum half Kieran Marmion also returns to the fray, having missed out on the last round of action with a hip pointer injury.