Preview: Connacht v Sharks

Connacht

• Powerful centre Tom Farrell made 37 post-contact metres against Leinster in Round 11, not only the highest figure of the round but also of the season so far
• Both Niall Murray and Dave Heffernan stole two wayward Leinster lineouts last weekend. Only one other player made as many lineout steals in Round 11 (Janko Swanepoel)
• As ever, last weekend Jack Carty made more kicks in play than any other player (17) for a total of 577 kicking metres. His season totals eclipse those of the rest of the league (116 and 4,432)

Cell C Sharks

• Using their scrum as an attacking platform, the Cell C Sharks have scored more tries from possessions which start with scrums than any other team (six). Showing the power of this set-piece, their opposition have also averaged a league-low 80% scrum success on their own ball
• Being patient and knowing when to pull the trigger in attack, Cell C Sharks have made a league-low 825 carries and 944 passes
• Physical in the carry, against the Vodacom Bulls last weekend the Sharks had a round-high gainline success rate of 66%

Did You Know?

Connacht and the Cell C Sharks first met in April 2022. The South African side won well, beating their Irish counterparts 41-21 in Durban.

Connacht have lost three of their last four league matches, including their most recent home fixture.

Cell C Sharks are on a three-match winning streak.