Mack Hansen back with a bang as Connacht take silver linings from defeat to Leinster

Pete Wilkins was loath to look for silver linings in the immediate aftermath of an agonising BKT URC derby defeat but praising Mack Hansen's stunning return to action following Ireland's World Cup campaign brought something approaching a smile to the Connacht boss's face.

The 44-year-old rocked up to speak to reporters about an hour after seeing his team blow their shot at a first home win over Leinster in seven attempts thanks for Ciarán Frawley last-gasp strike.

Hansen missed the opening six games of the season as he recovered from an ankle injury picked up during Ireland's 28-24 quarter-final loss to New Zealand.

"I've been frothing [at the mouth] to come back so to come back here at the Sportsground is very special," the 21-cap Ireland wing told RTÉ Sport ahead of the game.

"[The break] was great, it was needed after a pretty disappointing end to the World Cup. It was nice to have my family over and come back and watch [games] and enjoy it as a fan. It definitely helped."

It was like he'd never been away as the 25-year-old (above) racked up 130 metres, beat nine defenders, made three clean breaks, offloaded twice and had two try-assists.

"I thought Mack was fantastic," said Wilkins.

"I think not just the excitement of when he got on the ball and counter-attacked, which was a key bit of the damage I thought we did to Leinster at times, but also some of the calmness and control, of when to kick to touch, when to pass as opposed to when to run, a really important couple of tackles in the 22 when we were under a bit of pressure.

"I just thought his all-round game was really well balanced but with quality as well."

Meanwhile, Wilkins says Connacht can use the pain of defeat for their battle with Bordeaux next weekend.

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