Reeling in Sharks an 'enormous boost' for Connacht, says Pete Wilkins

Pete Wilkins says Connacht's thrilling comeback win over the Sharks provides an "enormous boost" after they kickstarted their URC season.

The Westerners narrowly lost a breathless battle against Munster in round one and trailed the South Africans by 20 points at half-time in last night's game at the Dexcom Stadium.

However, a four-try second-half salvo secured an unlikely 36-30 bonus-point victory and Wilkins, whose side finished outside the play-off places last year, is hopeful the manner of the win will set the tone for the opening weeks of the season.

"It’s an enormous boost, for lots of reasons," the 45-year-old (below) told RTÉ Sport.

"In terms of last week’s result, it’s important we bounce back from that, it’s important we get our first win of the season, it’s important we win in front of our fans in the first home game of the season.

"That immediate response, I was really pleased with.

"For us to show that we can deliver that kind of intense performance and maintain that belief that we are moving in the right direction, and that we can beat anyone on our day.

"I suppose what we’ve shown tonight is that we can beat anyone regardless of the scoreline at half-time.

"Yes, it would be nice not to have that hurdle to overcome in 40 minutes, but it shows our progress and shows the sign of the quality in our group as well."

Connacht lost out-half Josh Ioane after a head injury assessment at half-time and moved Cathal Forde to 10 with David Hawkshaw coming on at inside centre.

Forde scored the first of Connacht’s four five-pointers after a brilliant interchange with Mack Hansen and also kicked nine points.

"I was delighted for Fordey, I thought he was terrific," said Wilkins of the Galway man.

"He provided all of those play-making