Andy Friend: Connacht players have a burning desire to put things right

Andy Friend said the Connacht players held "healthy meetings" on Monday morning as they attempt to turn their season around.

Friday's derby loss to Leinster was Connacht’s fourth defeat in five games and saw them drop to 15th in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

After a brutal run of fixtures, beginning the season with three interprovincials and games against both of last season’s finalists, Connacht tackle fellow strugglers Scarlets at the Sportsground on Friday followed by a trip to Ospreys in the final round of games before the international break.

Friend knows that two wins could change everything.

"The players held some healthy meetings this morning," said the Connacht director of rugby on Monday.

"They feel they’re close, that we haven’t clicked as yet.

"It might sound like we’re repeating ourselves but that’s been the reaction and reality of the first five games.

"We’ve only had the one win, we’ve had moments where we’ve looked great, too many moments where we’ve taken the pressure release off through our own skill execution.

"The mood is good, there is frustration but at the same time there is a burning energy and desire to get things right."

The wide pass went a little bit too wide for Connacht as they look to get their first points of the evening on the board... #RTErugby #CONLEI