Experience matters as Finlay Bealham and Connacht go to Wales

While Connacht won on their last visit to the Scarlets, Finlay Bealham only knows of defeat in Llanelli.

The Ireland international wasn't involved on the night when the province were 29-23 winners at Parc y Scarlets in March 2022, their first and only win at a stadium that opened back in 2008. All in all, it had been 18 years since their previous win away in Llanelli, that one coming at the old Stradey Park.

Bealham has been to Llanelli six times and returned with six defeats during his time as a Connacht player. He’s hoping it’s lucky number seven when the province visits Dwayne Peel’s side this evening in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

"It’s a tough place to go and play for sure," the 32-year-old says of his experiences away to the Scarlets.

"I think history hasn't been too kind to us there, I think we’ve had one win in the last four or five times we’ve been there and during my career I don't think I’ve ever won there.

"It will be a huge challenge for us, in terms of backing up the physical energy we’ve shown in the last two weeks. It’s a big challenge to bring that into an away game, decent travel for us and getting up to that level of intensity we’ve had in the last two weeks.

"It’s a big challenge but we had a good session there, it was absolute hell but everyone is in good form and we're looking forward to the challenge. They’re a big, strong, Welsh pack and have good attacking flair as well. We’ll definitely need to be on our A-game."

Having played both summer Tests for Ireland against South Africa, Bealham returned for Connacht in last week’s home opener against the Sharks at the Dexcom Stadium, as Pete Wilkins’ side picked up their first win of the season with a comeback 36-30 victory.

The tighthead is in part of an