Lam: Tide is turning for improved Connacht

A slow start to life out west was briefly forgotten amid the jubilation of a European victory over the mighty Toulouse but Lam is confident Connacht's good times will arrive in greater frequency this season.

And ahead of his side's PRO12 opener against Newport Gwent Dragons on Saturday, Lam is brimming with optimism - with captain John Muldoon targeting a best-ever league finish and 100-cap All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina eyeing an October debut.

"Despite the amount of injuries we still have, the new guys have settled in very well and have worked really hard," said Lam. "Second year in for me and the starting point is totally different.

"We're further down the track now, but the biggest thing with the PRO12. Everyone says the first game but every single week is vital.

"You look at Dragons and they beat a full Northampton Saints squad last week, which shows the challenge we face first up."

Muliaina - Connacht's marquee arrival this summer - is recovering from two surgeries in the space of a year to mend an injured elbow.

The 34-year-old has been in Galway for a little over a week and admitted he would have loved to have made the move when he was at his marauding peak.

"I didn't realise how young some of the backs were here," said the veteran Kiwi. "They're really good blokes. I've come in to watch them training and they are really coach-able.

"On Tuesday I was out training with them and giving a little bit of feedback. They're like sponges and really absorb everything.

"I'm really enjoying being around them. I've picked up a few names so another couple of weeks and I'm sure I'll have the whole team nailed.

"The whole idea of the mentoring, for now, is having a few words with the guys and giving them feedback.

"Something like telling them how they can turn their lines a bit better and make space for themselves out there. I'm just there to help really."

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