But the London Irish skipper expects a hard day's night in Galway. John O'Sullivanreports
BOB CASEY is well versed with the idiosyncrasies of the Sportsground, an often bleak rugby amphitheatre where the weather rather than the patrons proves the more inhospitable. The London Irish captain has painted a vivid picture of what his team-mates can expect ahead of tonight's European Challenge Cup clash with Connacht, drawing on his experiences both underage and senior while a Leinster player.
He knows Connacht will view this match as another opportunity to shred the formbook. Victories over Leinster and latterly away to Dax on the opening weekend of the Challenge Cup illustrate their current rude health, results-wise.
The Exiles also arrive in Galway having blown away the cobwebs of European competition with a 12-try rout of Rovigo in Italy. Given Connacht's victory in France, they view this as a defining match in the pool. Casey explained: "In preparing for the Rovigo match we had one eye on the Connacht game.
"We know this is going to be the pivotal game in the group. Connacht have turned a corner in terms of their recent results and there is no way we are going to underestimate what they are capable of on a given day. We will be paying them the respect they deserve and that will be reflected in team selection."
Last season London Irish pushed Toulouse to the limit before losing in the Heineken Cup semi-final at Twickenham. Disappointment mingled with pride as they considered what the club had achieved on the first occasion they made the play-offs. It whetted an appetite to experience more of the same.
Unfortunately, Leicester's late try - the Exiles beat Sale on the last day of last season's Guinness Premiership - squeezed the Exiles out of Europe's elite tournament and into the Challenge Cup.
Brian Smith departed when England called to be replaced by his erstwhile assistant, Toby Booth. Mike Catt runs the backline. The club retains a commitment to the expansive patterns of the Smith era. Casey confirmed: "Toby and Brian were a double act last year so there wasn't a massive upheaval when Brian left.
"Toby has tweaked a few things but we still continue to try and play an open, attacking, high intensity game. We were devastated in losing out on the European Cup and make no bones about the fact we want to guarantee we are there next season. One way to do that is to win the Challenge Cup and that is an ambition.
"Tonight represents an opportunity to take a step towards that goal.
"We know we'll have to play well. I have huge respect for Connacht and the way they have integrated some young, talented players. They have a good pack, with a hard-working backrow and a cutting edge behind the scrum. Ian Keatley was away with me at the Churchill Cup during the summer so I know all about his quality. We know it'll be tough."
Leaving aside his commitment to London Irish, the 6ft 7in 30-year-old secondrow received a pleasant surprise last week when Ireland coach Declan Kidney and team manager Paul McNaughton travelled to London to meet with some non-Ireland-based players.
Casey, capped five times at senior level, was very much in exile under the previous national coach, Eddie O'Sullivan.
"Eoin (Reddan), Geordie (Murphy) and Mike Ross met with Declan and Paul and then had dinner. It's great to have that interest shown in you, to be told that while you're not playing in Ireland, it doesn't mean you won't be considered.
"It's a real boost to be given an incentive like that. It certainly didn't happen under the last management. I have never given up hope of playing for my country. It's still a huge ambition, something that was brought home to me when I played (for Ireland) against the Barbarians in Kingsholm.
"To captain the Churchill Cup team during the summer was a huge honour. All you can do is hope that you have a chance."
Tonight would be a good time to offer a reminder of his capability.
