CONNACHT COACH PAT Lam is wary of his side being ‘squashed’ if they allow a physical Toulouse get on top in this Saturday’s Champions Cup opener.
Connacht begin their European campaign by facing the four-time winners in the Sportsground (17.30, Sky Sports).
The reigning Pro12 champions started the season with three defeats but bounced back since then with victories over Edinburgh and Ulster last weekend. That was Lam’s first win over Ulster and the team are full of confidence as they head into Europe.
Connacht beat Toulouse at Stade Ernest-Wallon in Lam’s first season in charge, in 2013-14, but the French side inflicted a hammering in the return fixture. And coach Lam knows the threat they pose all too well.
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“We are getting stronger, we are getting better and we are connecting. All of things that we missed out on by not having that pre-season. It’s coming along nicely despite the injuries,” said Lam.
“Their style does suit our skill-set. But we saw last time we played them, we beat them over there and then they came back and squashed us. If we can do our jobs and play as a team then we have got a chance.
“There is no doubt about their individuals, obviously there is class there and they have got more internationals and experience.
They are strong, they are on form. They just lost to Clermont, and then also the big thing too, they smashed Grenoble. So it’s going to be tough.”
Lam was speaking at the opening of the new sports’ facilities in Seamount College, Kinvara where Connacht trained yesterday and Lam address a school assembly.
“The principal sent me a letter, they wanted us to come and open up their sports pitch. It worked out well because we can do some training and we had not been out here.
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
“It’s a similar story for them as well where they were nearly closed down, so I thought it was good to bring the team. It’s massive for us, we have been out and we continue to go out to the rugby clubs.
“I really want to get into the secondary schools too. There has been a lot of challenging stuff that goes on in schools. Coming here encourages the students about healthy living, but also that there is always hope and people they can talk to.
“After last week, it was a good win. It is a good way to start the week and mingle with the community,” he said.
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Lam wary that physical Toulouse side could 'squash' Connacht
CONNACHT COACH PAT Lam is wary of his side being ‘squashed’ if they allow a physical Toulouse get on top in this Saturday’s Champions Cup opener.
Connacht begin their European campaign by facing the four-time winners in the Sportsground (17.30, Sky Sports).
The reigning Pro12 champions started the season with three defeats but bounced back since then with victories over Edinburgh and Ulster last weekend. That was Lam’s first win over Ulster and the team are full of confidence as they head into Europe.
Connacht beat Toulouse at Stade Ernest-Wallon in Lam’s first season in charge, in 2013-14, but the French side inflicted a hammering in the return fixture. And coach Lam knows the threat they pose all too well.
“We are getting stronger, we are getting better and we are connecting. All of things that we missed out on by not having that pre-season. It’s coming along nicely despite the injuries,” said Lam.
“Their style does suit our skill-set. But we saw last time we played them, we beat them over there and then they came back and squashed us. If we can do our jobs and play as a team then we have got a chance.
“There is no doubt about their individuals, obviously there is class there and they have got more internationals and experience.
Lam was speaking at the opening of the new sports’ facilities in Seamount College, Kinvara where Connacht trained yesterday and Lam address a school assembly.
“The principal sent me a letter, they wanted us to come and open up their sports pitch. It worked out well because we can do some training and we had not been out here.
“It’s a similar story for them as well where they were nearly closed down, so I thought it was good to bring the team. It’s massive for us, we have been out and we continue to go out to the rugby clubs.
“I really want to get into the secondary schools too. There has been a lot of challenging stuff that goes on in schools. Coming here encourages the students about healthy living, but also that there is always hope and people they can talk to.
“After last week, it was a good win. It is a good way to start the week and mingle with the community,” he said.
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