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Connacht 2019: Better than Pat Lam's?

Keith Wood and Liam Toland joined us to discuss Connacht on Wednesday Night Rugby, and whether th...



Rugby

Connacht 2019: Better than Pat Lam's?


Keith Wood and Liam Toland joined us to discuss Connacht on Wednesday Night Rugby, and whether this side is better than the team constructed by Pat Lam.

Connacht face Ulster this weekend in the Pro14 quarter-final and, while Keith believes that Ulster still have the slight advantage, there is a belief that this side plays more attractive rugby than under their Kiwi former coach.

"If I am to be honest, I would rather how they play now," said Keith.

"Under Pat Lam, it was more attractive, and it was winning, and without taking things away - because this always sounds as a criticism - that was in a post-World Cup year.

"There were players in and out of other provinces, and there were very little in Connacht  and Connacht ran everybody ragged. They did a brilliant job.

"It was an improbable run all the way up and we were all saying 'that's amazing, they are not going to win' and then they went on to win, which was an extraordinary year for themselves. And, I suppose, Leicester City!"

But it is on their own merits that Keith believes the 2019 iteration of Connacht is his preferred outfit.

"Unlike Leicester City, they have had a dip and they come back strong.

"I think Andy Friend is a guy that suits them. They have a skillset, and a willingness, and there are a lot of guys that have been brought to the club to run the ball left, right and centre.

"But I think that there is a little bit more structure now. I thought at times that watching Connacht was fun, but foolhardy. But now I think that they are a very pragmatic team."

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