Connacht have been tipped to make a major impact in the BKT URC this season under new boss Stuart Lancaster.
Former England coach Lancaster has taken the helm at the Galway-based province following spells with Leinster and Racing 92.
Lancaster will guide them into their league opener on Saturday night when they welcome Benetton Rugby to the Dexcom Stadium. The Dexom, is being reconstructed to increase the capacity to 12,000 by January.
Former Ulster and Ireland centre Darren Cave has big hopes for the 2016 title winners under their new head coach.
“Stuart Lancaster is going to blow that place out of the water,” said Cave. “When you look through that squad, they have got a number of quality players.
“I don’t think they are going to win the BKT URC, but they are 100 per cent a team to watch. They are going to cause problems this year, I feel super strongly about that”.
“Off the pitch, they got their stadium rights last year, they have had a new stadium in construction. They’ve got a new training facility, new corporate hospitality.”
Leinster to retain URC title
Cave sees reigning champions Leinster successfully defending their crown this season.
“Across the season, I just don’t see Leinster losing enough games to not carry home advantage into the Play-Offs,” said Cave.
“Listen, they are totally beatable, but I would always make them favourites at home, and I would think the most likely series of events is they get a home final. Then somebody has to come to Dublin and win”.
“There is a little asterisk just to say that post-Lions seasons are tricky and very disruptive, with a big come down”.
“Those players in Ireland are very well managed. They won’t be long back playing, and they will be away in November, and there is a lot of Champions Cup pressure on Leinster, but I still think their squad is so big.”
As for predicting the league’s Player of the Season, Cave sticks with the title holders, saying:
“I think RG Snyman is a guy who is going to be in that conversation. He just adds so much value, and I think that will continue to happen.”
