Connacht face demanding tests ahead but Lancaster effect bodes for improvement

Eighth in URC and quarter-final loss away to Glasgow, Challenge Cup quarter-final loss away to Montpellier.

For all the pride and classily choreographed fanfare when the new Clan Stand was unveiled for the marquee fixture against Leinster last January, Leo Cullen’s men played the role of party poopers with a 34-23 win. That fourth successive defeat, and seventh in their first nine games, left Connacht in 14th in the URC table. Their play-offs hopes seemed forlorn at best. Whereupon, a bonus point try with the last play varnished a win in Zebre and Sean Jansen’s close-range match-winning try at the death against Glasgow in front of the packed Clan Stand – kick-started a run of eight wins in their last nine games to earn a play-off place and Champions Cup qualification.