Connacht 36

Scarlets 14

JOHN FALLON AT THE SPORTSGROUND

MACK Hansen headed into Irish camp buoyed by two brilliant tries to get Connacht’s season up and running with a bonus point win at the Sportsground, and with Andy Friend declaring that both province and Ireland haven’t seen the best of him yet.

The winger, who Friend brought from his home town Canberra just over a year ago, has developed the same sort of on-field and off-field charisma that made Bundee Aki such a hit, and all the indications are that he has a lot more to offer.

Friend said Hansen was far from happy with his display and the standard he sets for himself doesn’t allow for basic errors, but the Connacht coach reckons the 24-year old has a lot more to offer in the years ahead and can reach higher standards.

“I think he can. I know he wasn’t happy with his performance out there,” said Friend after their win over Scarlets. “He scores two tries but there was error in the game tonight which you tend to see.

“When Mack Hansen is decisive, and just trusts his ability and goes flat out, he’s a handful. He was starting to guess himself a touch tonight. There is more in Mack Hansen, without a doubt, but I know that will be a performance he’ll be frustrated with.”

Another Australian who is hitting top form is Connacht winger John Porch and Friend is surprised that the Wallabies have not come calling, with the former Aussies sevens player probably their best performer in a difficult start to the season.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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