Connacht turn their focus to securing top-eight spot in the URC

Prior to home clash with Zebre, head coach Pete Wilkins confident his squad possess the ability to secure Champions Cup rugby next seasonPete Wilkins: 'We’ll play it week by week, but we need to get into the top eight and we think we can.' Photograph: James CrombieConnacht’s exit from the European Challenge Cup has now turned the focus immediately to securing a top eight spot in the URC.

“We would much rather be fighting on two fronts, but it does narrow the focus,” says head coach Pete Wilkins. “It means we can be more selective about the use of players. Once we processed some of the elements of the performance in Italy, talk quickly turned to the URC, and the importance to set ourselves up for playing Champions Cup rugby next season.

The analysis reveals Connacht’s inaccuracies – 15 turnovers conceded on the back of the opportunities, 145 carries, and superior territory and possession. Now in a tight midtable position, with only five points separating fifth-placed DHL Stormers and Connacht in 10th place, Wilkins knows there is little wriggle room to qualify for the top tier European competition again. But he is prepared to give some up-and-coming youngsters more playing time – two of whom, Shane Jennings and replacement scrumhalf Matthew Devine were impressive last weekend.

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