Shane Horgan looks west and likes what he sees. He is a believer.
Connacht have tried to play expansive, running, back-yourself rugby ever since Pat Lam arrived, in 2013. It is only this season that their style of play is reaping rewards.
Connacht are second in the Guinness PRO12 standings and can secure a home semi-final by seeing off Glasgow Warriors at The Sportsground next month.
The westerners are the good news story Irish rugby has craved ever since we were hobbled in Cardiff [in the World Cup win over France] and put out of our misery by Argentina a week later. Horgan believes Connacht have what it takes to go all the way and win some silverware. He told us:
“Connacht have brought through some indigenous talent – really good, home-grown players who have bought into Pat’s philosophy. They have also recruited smartly from abroad – lads like Bundee Aki and Tom McCartney.
“Ireland need to develop a style of play that can give them an edge. We don’t have that firepower and huge, physical presence so bringing pace, passing and that elusive running is worth pursuing.
“Connacht are doing something different and are being rewarded.”
Horgan feels this summer’s tour to South Africa is the perfect place to let Ireland off the leash. He is convinced that Joe Schmidt wants to see an expansive style of play but feels the players are gripped by a sense that one mistake will cost them their place.
While most people saw Ireland run rough-shod over Italy and Scotland, at the tail-end of the Six Nations, Horgan still saw signs of a team be-set with doubt. It is for that reason that he would like to see game-breakers such as Garry Ringrose and Matt Healy face the Springboks.
One player he is also looking forward to watching, this summer, is CJ Stander. The Munster captain will return to South Africa in June [fitness permitting] and Horgan feels his form will be key to our chances.
“CJ has been very impressive and his work-rate has been phenomenal,” he said. “If he can add some subtleties to his game, Ireland could really benefit.”
Shane Horgan is encouraging all fans to check outHeineken Rugby Club, which brings rugby lovers all around the world together and celebrates the sociability and comradeship of the game.
