IT’S still early days, but Connacht have yet to get a bounce from the arrival of high-profile Stuart Lancaster as Head Coach.

The former England supremo and Leinster coach has not made the start he would have wished for since arriving at the Sportsground.

Five defeats in seven URC outings is not cutting the mustard, and only for the eight bonus points collected so far, Connacht would be languishing near the foot of the table.

A tenth consecutive inter-pro loss when falling to UIster at home last weekend has only deepened the gloom as Connacht head to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday for a tough league tie with Leinster (5:30pm).

Opposition head coach Leo Cullen has made no secret of their frustration over Ciarán Frawley’s move west next season and Connacht can expect a hot reception in the circumstances.

The bookmakers have gone with a handicap spread of 17 points which, if materialising, means Connacht won’t even have the consolation of a losing bonus point this time.