Connacht blend faces real test

CONNACHT'S blend of youth and maturity will face the most stern examination of the season at the Sports Ground, Galway, today when they take on Australia.

Australia go into the match defending their loo per cent tour record, having defeated all the sides, provincial and national, on the Scottish section of their itinerary.

There could be no more welcome visitors than Australia, a country with which Ireland has a very special affinity in so many elements of life as well as on the field of international rugby. But the hospitality and the welcome will be set aside this afternoon when the action starts.

This is a Connacht team of distinct promise with well over half the squad under 25 and several of them much younger than that.

A pre-season tour, the interprovincial series, the European Conference and the match this afternoon all provide experience that should be of immense benefit. Connacht have won five matches - the two on tour, one in the interprovincials (the fine victory over Leinster) and two in the European competition.

Realistically, one does not expect Connacht to add to that list of conquests this afternoon. But they will be fortified by what they have achieved so far and by the full hearted performance the province gave when, in the only previous match against Australia, in October 1992, they lost 14-6. They would do very well to get a result off similar nature today.

Outside-half Eric Elwood is a key player and for him it will be a second match in 24 hours. He played yesterday for Ireland A against South Africa A and the hope is that his endeavours in that game will not diminish his effectiveness. Second-row Shane Leahy also played at Donnybrook yesterday. "We just hope that both will be fit and ready for us against Australia," said Connacht manager Billy Glynn.

"There is a great spirit in the Connacht team and we fully expect the side to give a really good account of itself against the Australians. Of course the players are well aware of the severity of the challenge. Australia has some top-class players in the side," said Glynn.

There is no disputing that, with such distinguished figures as Tim Gavin and David Campese involved.

It is a big test for the Connacht pack who will need all their traditional fire and commitment. The back row of Barry Gavin, Neil Taylor and Rory Rogers will have a busy afternoon. But one hopes that the pack will win enough possession to give scrum-half Conor McGuinness and Elwood the opportunity to put the Australians under some pressure. Elwood's kicking, tactical and otherwise, will be an important element of his team's strategy.

One goes in expectation of Australia maintaining their 100 per cent record and of Connacht giving them a worthy challenge.