Duffy and Connacht in no mood for platitudes

European Challenge CupPatronising Connacht is potentially dangerous, whether you are examining their season to date or discussing their fortunes in general. Irish rugby's least-celebrated province in terms of personnel continue to be competitive by dint of a voracious work ethic, exceptional camaraderie and an innovative coaching team headed by Michael Bradley.

They are not interested in being patted on the head and told what a plucky outfit they are or taking succour in narrow defeats against more wealthy teams. They are not looking for mitigation in evaluating their progress There is real ambition among players and management.

During the summer, the return of the "prodigals" Johnny O'Connor and Mel Deane, allied to intelligent recruitment, guaranteed Connacht would be better-placed than for some time to compete in both the Magners Celtic League and the European Challenge Cup.

Gavin Duffy's repatriation from Harlequins has also been a major boost. Although he came back in time to play a few games last season he feels his second spell with his native province began in earnest when he returned from the World Cup with Ireland.

"Brads (Michael Bradley) gave me a week off, although I wasn't physically tired," he reveals. "I played golf three days in a row at Enniscrone and it's fair to say I won't be switching sports.

"We've been competitive for 60 minutes or thereabouts in most games but ended up losing a few narrowly.

"There were similar experiences last season and it's something we are trying to address. It's down to several factors but you quickly realise that you can't afford any lapses in concentration or discipline.

"I experienced a similar run in the season in which Harlequins were relegated from the Premiership in England. We lost a lot of matches by less than seven points. Sometimes it can be a confidence issue or an element of not continuing to press in matches.

"Here in Connacht we're conscious of the need to finish games strongly, not just be competitive.

"It doesn't matter whether the other team has a full complement of internationals. We set our own standards here. Michael Bradley and Eric Elwood are innovative and along with Dan McFarland they are open to suggestion. The only thing that they insist on is that we get the basics right.

"At training we work on certain things and if we're able to execute them then we're free to use them in a match. We are let off the leash and encouraged to play a heads-up game."

Whatever about the Celtic League, in the upcoming European Challenge Cup - and all its previous incarnations - Connacht boast an excellent record that includes some wonderful moments and victories.

This season they find themselves in a tough pool that includes the Jonny Wilkinson-inspired Newcastle Falcons, the former European Cup winners Brive and the Spanish side El Salvador.

Those who might imagine the latter will be an easy touch would do well to remember Harlequins barely squeezed past El Salvador in Spain the year the London club won the Challenge Cup.

Connacht will begin their campaign away to Brive. The pivotal matches in the pool are likely to be the back-to-back clashes with Newcastle in December. Duffy is relishing the challenge.

"Obviously there's a history here of doing well and you're always conscious that a good run will have a knock-on effect on other competitions. It's also a route into the Heineken Cup and that's a massive incentive. We're an ambitious squad and we feel that if we play to our potential then there is nothing we cannot achieve."

On a personal level, Duffy has shed the disappointment of the World Cup in favour of a fresh challenge with Connacht. He's delighted to be playing at fullback - versatility can be a curse at times - and hopes to get an extended run in that position.

He still has a couple of goals this season that incorporate representative ambitions.

"I'd love to get in the Six Nations squad and then work my way into the match 22. The simplest way to do that is to play well for Connacht and that's my priority. Every player will tell you the same thing: you can say what you like but it's on the pitch that the real talking is done."

Friday, November 9th

Brive v Connacht, Parc Municipal des Sports, 6.30pm

Friday, November 16th

Connacht v El Salvador, Sportsground, 6.30pm

Friday, December 7th

Connacht v Newcastle Falcons, Sportsground, 6.30pm

Sunday, December 16th

Newcastle Falcons v Connacht, Kingston Park, 3pm

January 11th/12th/13th

El Salvador v Connacht

January 18th/19th/20th

Connacht v Brive, Sportsground