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Andy Friend: Connacht can push on again after Benetton win

Connacht director of rugby Andy Friend insists his side can find another gear to improve further after their bonus-point win over Benetton at the Sportsground.

The province were 38-19 winners with tries from Niall Murray and Paul Boyle in the first half, added to by Finlay Bealham, Caolin Blade and Dylan Tierney-Martin.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Friend said he was satisfied with his side's performance which leaves them 11th in the United Rugby Championship table with 19 points after nine games.

"I thought we were better. I think we can be better again. Our first half set us up for that win," he said.

"I thought we took a lot of sting out of (Benetton) in that first half so I was very happy with that and I'm really happy with the start of the second half, the finish to the second half but there were probably 36 minutes in the middle when if we reflect on it, could have been a lot better."

Friend praised the performance of Boyle and said the back-row was showing signs of returning to his best.

"He's struggled in the last year and a half to be honest but he's worked his backside off and it's great to see him there tonight, back to the Paul Boyle that got him a cap for his country," he said.

"His lines, his timing of his runs, his defence, I thought a couple of his jackals... he was immense out there tonight. So I was proud of him and pleased for him actually."

Next up for Connacht is the visit of Newcastle to Galway in the European Challenge Cup and Friend was hopeful his team can rise to the occasion in the secondary continental competition.

"We're in Challenge Cup, not Champions Cup where we want to be, but like every team in Challenge Cup you want to make an impression and probably show yourselves and everybody else that you don't

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