The Andy Friend era at Connacht is not quite over yet, after a stunning win at Ravenhill on Friday night saw them through to the URC semi-finals.
The Westerners claimed a shock 15-10 win after a mega shift in Belfast, to prolong their season and set up a last four meeting with either the Stormers or the Bulls.
With Friend set to depart the role of Director of Rugby at the end of this season, there was a strong chance that Friday could have turned out to be his final game in charge of the team but, thankfully for him and the team's fans, he has at least one more left before he departs.
Speaking to Viaplay Sports after the final whistle, Friend showed his gracious character by crediting the win to Connacht's backroom staff - and singled out flanker Shamus Hurley-Langton for his phenomenal man of the match shift in a famous win.
Ulster v Connacht: Andy Friend praised for post-match interview
Connacht have an extremely tough assignment ahead of them in the URC semi-finals, with the might of either the Stormers or the Bulls to face them on a trip to South Africa.
It is a mighty achievement to have progressed that far, however, after an unexpected and hard-fought win over Ulster on Friday night.
The triumph over Ulster prolongs the tenure of Andy Friend for at least one game more, and he was in flying form when chatting with Stephen Ferris, Andrew Trimble, and Mike McCarthy on Viaplay Sports post-match.
He praised the "bravery and character" of his Connacht side, and the work of his backroom team, in a remarkably humble interview.
🟢 @connachtrugby director of rugby Andy Friend reacts to his side's quarter-final win over Ulster
"We've been showing that bravery and character." 🗣️#ULSvCON pic.twitter.com/MQxxYlJBEv— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) May 5, 2023
He singled out one man in particular for praise - man of the match Shamus Hurley-Langton.
So much of Connacht's joy on Friday night came from the exploits of their back row, and Hurley-Langton was the standout performer.
Speaking to Viaplay, Friend said that Connacht had made a deliberate attempt to target Ulster's breakdown in wide areas - and said that Hurley-Langton's performance had been "unbelievable":
Colm Tucker deserves a massive rap, he's our contact coach. We had a focus to try and go after their wide breakdown tonight because he'd sensed an opportunity there.
You get the likes of a Cian Prendergast, you get the likes of a Conor Oliver, and in particular Shamus Hurley-Langton. Jesus, that boy was good tonight, wasn't he? Unbelievable!
He's been like that. He's young and he's raw, but he's so strong and he's so tough out there in the footy.
That was definitely a tactic there...it paid dividends tonight.
Andy Friend said that Connacht would stay in Belfast post-match on Friday to "get a good sleep" before preparing for next weekend's trip to South Africa. After McCarthy joked that Friend might "see them in town later on," Friend replied - "depends where you're going!"
After his post-match interview, Friend received plenty of praise from Connacht and wider rugby fans on Twitter.
The man is a class act. https://t.co/GRdTmisbS1
— david murphy (@DavejMurph) May 6, 2023
God you gotta love Andy https://t.co/mEWfIcKKO2
— The 2nd Row (@the2ndRow) May 5, 2023
I didn't think anyone could toppled Pat as my favorite Connacht coach.
Until now. https://t.co/hU7YRHmssQ— Éanna (@eanna_jpg) May 5, 2023
I'm such a fan of Andy Friend. What an absolutely brilliant coach and lovely bloke. Really always comes across well. Going to be a big loss after the season https://t.co/256gIUJsYn
— Sam (@sami_sp) May 5, 2023
Andy Friend always speaks so well.
Makes a point to credit his coaching staff, recognise the good performances of his players and also be honest about where Connacht need to get better.
Top man#ULSvCON https://t.co/gvbIOPiCc5— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) May 5, 2023
A special night for Connacht - and a massive trip to South Africa coming up.
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