Join the Connacht Rugby WhatsApp channel
Stay up to date with the latest news
Connacht are back into URC action this weekend as Benetton make the trip to Dexcom Stadium for Round 12.
Connacht come into the game on the back of a bonus point win over Cardiff in Round 11, a win which brings Pete Wilkins side right back into contention for a play off spot. Last week the team travelled to Twickenham Stoop to take on Harlequins in a friendly game. Wilkins spoke about that game and what he and his coaching staff got from it.
"We got to see a few senior guys who haven't had many match minutes recently and it was important for them to get some game time"
"We also got a chance to see some of the fringe players and younger personnel who haven't had a chance yet"
"It was a game that saw three tries each, two evenly match squads with a lot of good stuff to come from it but also plenty of stuff to learn from"
We are at the stage of the season where every game has huge importance, the Cardiff game was one which Pete and his squad aimed to get five points in and get themselves back in the conversation for a place in the play off. They achieved that goal and this week it is no different, keep the momentum going and climb up that table.
"We spoke about the importance of this game along with Cardiff two weeks ago"
"We have put ourselves under a bit of pressure for this stage of the season with work to do but there is a massive opportunity here"
"Five points on Saturday could see us back in the top eight of the URC"
"The whole narrative around the team changes very quickly from week to week depending on the result"
"There's a lot at stake and we need to do the business"
Italian side Benetton will make the trip from Treviso to Galway hoping to make it back-to-back wins over Irish provinces having beaten Ulster the last day out. Wilkins know the quality Benetton have and expect a tough battle on Saturday night.
"Home advantage is significant for us, our last three meetings with Benetton have all been away and we've lost all three"
"In those games I think they've came out on top because of their physicality and having a really good kicking game"
"We're at home this weekend so we have to use that to our advantage"
"We know they have plenty of players playing with Italy at the moment but they have serious depth in their squad so we have to prepare as if they have a full strength squad"
