Tucker temporarily leads Connacht due to Wilkins' illness

Connacht Rugby is preparing for a crucial match against Munster this weekend. Colm Tucker, the team's scrum and contact coach, is stepping in as the temporary head coach while Pete Wilkins is on sick leave. Wilkins has been away since a recent defeat to the Ospreys but is expected to return after his leave. The upcoming match at MacHale Park in Castlebar is highly anticipated, especially with a sold-out crowd expected. Connacht had a frustrating game last weekend, scoring 40 points but allowing 43 against the Ospreys. While they earned two bonus points, they dropped from ninth to 12th in the league standings. Connacht hopes to improve their performance against Munster. Key players, including captain Cian Prendergast and star athlete Bundee Aki, are likely to return for this match. Despite the recent loss, Connacht is only two points away from playoff positions in the league. The team is also looking ahead to future matches. They have a Round of 16 tie in the Challenge Cup against Cardiff lined up after facing Munster. Connacht has struggled defensively, allowing 44 tries this season. However, they have been strong in attack, with 48 tries, ranking among the top teams. As they move forward, Connacht aims for a strong showing against Munster to boost their chances for the rest of the season.