Pete Wilkins: Connacht's ex-Leinster players can make 'big statement'

Pete Wilkins says Connacht's ex-Leinster contingent have a chance to "make a big statement" in Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship derby.

Peter Dooley, David Hawkshaw and Josh Murphy have all made impressive starts to their Connacht careers since moving west during the close season and they will come up against their former employers for the first time when the league leaders visit Galway, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

All three were involved in last weekend's win over Munster, along with former Leinster players Gavin Thornbury, Oisín Dowling, Jack Aungier, Tom Daly and Paul Boyle, as Connacht snapped their losing start to the season.

Wilkins admits the prospect of facing Leinster could bring some added spice to training this week.

"It probably does more so for them as individuals than it does for us [coaches]," the Connacht head coach told RTÉ Sport.

"We’ve got so much shared knowledge on the other provinces there’s probably not a competitive advantage of having former Leinster players there, but at the same time it’s a real chance for them to prove themselves and make a big statement about how their careers are progressing.

"It's massive for them but it’s making sure they channel it in the right direction as well."

Hawkshaw was one of the standout performers in the comeback win over Munster. Having started at out-half against the Vodacom Bulls in round three, the 23-year-old switched to inside centre and combined well with the returning Jack Carty.

"We were really impressed by Dave," said Wilkins. "Right from when he joined the group in pre-season, he settled in really well.

"He's a good bloke, really smart rugby intellect and a hard worker. In terms of integrating himself into a new group, he set himself up for success just