Andy Friend becomes the third Connacht coach in just as many years to welcome Glasgow on the opening day of Glasgow – and he will hope that it will not be his last, in contrast to the previous two.
Both Pat Lam and Kieran Keane lost this match on those occasions and there were few who understood well how their next seasons would go; Eventually they would end at the departure of both men, while the disappointing stint of the latter contrasts strongly with the title-winning experience of Lam.
Friend will hope that the third time will be lucky for the Westerners, but know that today his future will not determine; however, he will have some wind on his back, after Connacht's most comprehensive pre-season preparation in those three years.
Three victories will also have contributed to collective well-being.
The absence of John Muldoon will seem poignant, but a reflection that a new broom is waiting; the presence of Wallaby Kyle Godwin in the midfield, born in Zimbabwe, is a selection that promises excitement and allure.
"You do not win championships in the preseason, but you can lose them." We are at the start in a reasonably good condition, but it is what we do here that is important, "said Friend.
"We expect a huge challenge – Glasgow had a great start last year."
Pronunciation: Glasgow
Connacht – T O & # 39; Halloran; C Kelleher, K Godwin, T Farrell, M Healy; J Carty, C Blade; D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham, U Dillane, J Cannon, P Boyle, J Butler capt, McKeon. Representatives: S Delahunt, P McCabe, C Carey, Q Roux, C Gallagher, J Mitchell, C Ronaldson, N Adeolokun.
Glasgow Warriors – S Hogg; T Seymour, N Grigg, P. Horne, DTH Van der Merwe; A Hastings, G Horne; O Kebble, G Turner, Z Fagerson, S Cummings, J Gray, R Harley, C Gibbins, R Wilson. Representatives: F Brown, A Allan, D Rae, A Ashe, C Fusaro, N Frisby, A Dunbar, K Matawalu.
Ref – I Davies (WRU) Connacht against Glasgow Warriors, Live, eir Sport 1 / TG4, 3.0
Irish Independent
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