Connacht coach: Weather, packed stadium a massive advantage in Stormers clash

Connacht coach Andy Friend says adverse weather could play a significant role in their United Rugby Championship clash with the Stormers this week.

Speaking to the Independent, Friend believes his side will hold the advantage going into the clash. 

That's thanks to the fact that the Stormers have been playing in sunny South Africa.

Conditions for Saturday are likely to be very different.

"In terms of the Stormers, I see the weather over there. It is nice and warm. It's not windy and pissing rain. And they'll come here and it will be," said Friend. 

"That is an advantage to us because we are used to it. And we're back to full crowds, which is brilliant," he added.

Friend did acknowledge that Connacht would have to front up even if they see the weather and the crowd as an advantage.

They currently sit seventh on the URC log, one position above the Cape-based side. 

To date, they have won five out of their eleven matches.

"It's about your on-field performance. If we don't front up and we're not mentally and physically in the right space, it doesn't matter whether you are home or away or playing in the moon, you're not going to win," said Friend.

Saturday's match kick's off at 15:00 (SA time).