Connacht boss Andy Friend seeking home comforts in 'emotional' derby against Munster

After three tough defeats on the road, Connacht are targeting a pitch-perfect performance in Friday's derby against Munster.

The Sportsground’s new all-weather surface will be unveiled as Connacht tackle their near neighbours in their first home game of the season.

The players have been training on the pitch since returning from South Africa and Andy Friend believes it suits the expansive, high-tempo game Connacht are trying to play.

"We want to be a team that plays and this allows us to play fast, so we're excited by it," said the Connacht head coach.

"It's a massive investment by Connacht Rugby and, I think, a brilliant investment.

"Let's hope Friday night is the first of many good wins on it."

Despite it being so early in the season, Friday’s derby already feels like a crucial game for both provinces after their stuttering starts.

Connacht sit bottom of the BKT United Rugby Championship ladder, without a point after three successive defeats, while Munster’s sole success was an underwhelming win against Zebre where they went scoreless for the final 52 minutes.

"You've got two teams at the moment that are searching for form," said Friend.

"It will be very emotional no doubt but it will come down to the team that physically fronts up, as it always is against Munster, and also the team that makes the least amount of errors and gives away the least amount of penalties.

"We're very aware of that. It is a formula we've been using when we've played them the last few years and I think the start for both teams is going to be really important. You want to get a foothold into the game early on and let's hope it’s us doing that."

We need your consent to load this comcast-player contentWe use comcast-player to manage extra content that can