Connacht's fairy tale season continued yesterday as they stood up and were counted for once again as they booked a home semi-final date in two weeks time.
Their battle in a rain drenched Sportsground in Galway proved a taster of what's to come, as the two will showdown once more in the final four.
Speaking in the aftermath of the game, a delighted Pat Lam acknowledged the significance of the result and home advantage.
"It’s massive for us. It’s massive for our fans. I think the thing I’m most proud about, we were underdogs, they’re the form team, 22 internationals.”
Connacht have garnered a reputation as the most exciting team to watch in the Pro12, and not without reason as they crossed for 60 tries during their 22 outings, but Lam was eager to reinforce the idea that they're an adaptable side.
“When the rain came in, it’s quite amazing. The next few days are a heatwave and one day of rain and it was this one.
"But the boys were excited because now we can show people what we can do. A lot’s been talked about the game and our skill level, it probably wasn’t the best but that’s not what it was about.
Connacht's Niyi Adeolokun and Sean Lamont of Glasgow
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
“I said to the boys, it was about showing people our desire, our character, our culture. That was the one ingredient missing last week. We played some good rugby against Treviso but they wanted it more.
“We put a big focus on that, the boys came back and delivered it in spades. I’m so proud of them. Great effort.”
“I said this right from when I first came in, I don’t want to be known as a team that runs everything or kicks everything or keeps it up the jumper.
“It’s about conditions and what the defence gives us. And then that’s up to the players to make the decisions. It comes down to execution. We knew the forecast was raining so we’re not silly against a very good defensive team to try and play too much in that area but we needed to put them under pressure. The kick is only as good as the chase and the chase is only as good as your hunger and working together.
GAME OVER Connacht finish 2nd in the #GuinnessPRO12 and book a home semi final against Glasgow Warriors in 2 weeks time #CRLIVE 14 - 7
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) May 7, 2016
“When you’ve got guys like Stuart Hogg and Jones and Seymour. It was phenomenal to see our forwards staying connected, making tackles and then working back on defence. A lot has been said about our defence but when it’s counted in the big games, Munster, Leinster, here today and against Ulster when we were down to 13 men, the boys always step up.”
The two will clash again on Saturday the 21st of May, while Ulster and Leinster will go head to head in an all-Irish affair on Friday the 20th of May.
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