Connacht are aiming to end a three-game losing streak on Sunday but could hardly have picked a more difficult task as they travel to Guinness Pro12 table-toppers Scarlets (2.30pm).
In addition to the recent loss of form, Pat Lam’s side, third in the table, have never won at the Llanelli venue and are struggling to cross the tryline, scoring just one five-pointer in the last three games, including derby losses to both Ulster and Leinster.
“I think we’re creating opportunities but not quite finishing them off but we’ve got to put that in context of the conditions,” Lam, whose team are actually second highest try-scorers in the competition, told Drivetime on RTÉ Radio 1.
“The Ulster game was the first time we hadn’t scored a try in a game. If you look at the conditions, both teams struggled, they scored right in the last minute, and the game on the weekend [against Leinster] too, again horrendous conditions.
“These games, in particular, with the fire and the emotion of a derby game, both defences were very good so it’s not a concern. We’re trying to create those chances.
“I’m loving the effort the boys are putting in and we’re just not as clinical as we could be.”
Meanwhile, Connacht flanker Jake Heenan, who has just returned from a serious shoulder injury, becomes Ireland-qualified at the end of the year.
Asked if he had aspirations towards an international call-up from Joe Schmidt, the 23-year-old said that winning a cap is not a priority in the short-term.
"Yeah, look, for me it’s really just worrying about my basics for the moment and nailing that,” he said.
“I have quite a long way to go before I’ll be really happy with the way I’m playing.
"So there are probably a lot of things that are at the back of my mind at the moment. I’m happy to be back.”
