O'Connor backs Connacht

The Galway-based province made a fine start to the season winning two and drawing one of their first four games. But since drawing 15-15 with Ulster back in September, Connacht have slumped to eight consecutive Magners League losses.

The last loss came at the hands of Newport Gwent Dragons who were narrow 16y languish 11th in the league table but flanker O'Connor believes the Irish province can turn things around and has warned the critics to judge Connacht at the end of the season.

"At the start of the season we played some good rugby but we've left a few games behind," said O'Connor.

"We're getting some pleasing performances and playing well. At some stage it will happen.

"You'd like to put your finger on why you're not winning. When you're losing you try to look for all the little things that you might be doing wrong. But you can look all you want.

"Sometimes even when you're winning games you still don't know what to put your finger on. There's just a knack to it.

"We're making progress but we're done with pats on the back. We need to start winning games. People should judge us on where we rank at the end of the season."

Connacht will have the opportunity to end their losing streak when they welcome the high-flying Scarlets to the Sportsground on February 12 before taking on Glasgow Warriors and the Ospreys.