'No panic stations' as Connacht face pivotal week

Pete Wilkins has called on Connacht to show their fighting spirit as they bid to get their faltering season back on track against the Cell C Sharks.

Successive derby defeats to Ulster and Leinster over the Christmas period left the Westerners languishing in 13th place in the BKT United Rugby Championship, eight points adrift of the play-offs, and victory is a must when the Sharks rock up to the Sportsground on Saturday, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

Wilkins has encountered plenty of these back-to-the-walls moments during his five and a half years with the province and the head coach said there remains a strong belief among the players that they can mount a late assault on the top eight.

"That's what makes this place special, whether as a team or an organisation through those tough times, guys don't stop fighting," said Wilkins.

"The inner belief in terms of what they can do to make a difference positively for the team or for the club, but also how they can help those around them align and produce something better and keep moving forwards, is massive. It's what this place is about.

"At the same time, there's no panic stations. We were disappointed with the result [against Leinster], we're disappointed not to be in the top eight at the moment but it doesn't feel like it's panic stations or any reason to try and do something different.

"We just have to keep working hard and keep getting better at the things we have identified to add to our game and we'll be there or thereabouts come the end of the year.

"There's still a quiet confidence around this place but ultimately all that matters is we get out there against the Sharks and show that, that we show growth and fight. If we do that, it's a cliché but the result will look after