Connacht got off to a flying start in the Investec Champions Cup with a surprise victory over Saracens at the Dexcom Stadium.

Saracens aren't the force they once were, though after just three rounds of the Gallagher Premiership, they sit in third place.

Connacht on the other hand are 14th in the United Rugby Championship with just one win from their opening three games.

The visitors arrived in Galway with a squad littered with British and Irish Lions and international players. They might be ageing internationals, but their players include the most recent Lions captain in Maro Itoje, alongside Jamie George, Ben Earl, Owen Farrell, Tomos Williams and Elliot Daly.

The spine of the Saracens team was made up from these proven Lions. Their hooker, lineout caller, number 8, half-backs and full-back were all top, experienced players. Add more international talent in the shape of Noah Caluori and Nick Tompkins in midfield and Connacht appeared to have their work cut out.

Saracens started the stronger side, putting Connacht under pressure in the setpiece. They went 12 points up and I’m sure supporters were beginning to wonder if it would be a long night in Galway.

Connacht’s attack performed well. Scoring 45 points against Saracens is no easy feat. Their ability to handle the ball into wider channels and their details around their forward pods and midfield allowed them to pressurise the Saracens defence.

Cian Prendergast, Cathal Forde and Bundee Aki were all prominent in Connacht’s first-half revival. They should have led at half-time, only to concede a late try, meaning the teams were level at the break.

Prendergast was impressive for Connacht. He’s a natural leader for the province, with big turnovers and high work rate. He’s not just a blunt instrument though. He scored twice for Connacht, providing valuable link play and connecting their forwards with the backs.

This is something that will please Andy Farrell. The Irish head coach values attacking decision making and handling ability. In the absence of Caelan Doris and Jack Conan for the November series, it gives Prendergast a huge chance to impress in the Irish back row.

There’s a lot of leadership on the sidelines in those positions. Prendergast might be the perfect man to fill that gap.

Ciarán Frawley played a huge part in Connacht setting the tone. He continued his try-scoring form with two of his own second-half tries at a vital time when Connacht created some distance on the scoreboard.

Frawley is playing with renewed confidence. He was never that shy, though it did look as if the uncertainty around regular minutes at Leinster affected his game. With a fresh perspective and the backing from his new coach, it looks like Frawley is going to be a very important signing for Stuart Lancaster.

The timing might also be right to make another push for the Irish number 10 jersey.

Sam Prendergast is in red-hot form, but this is the first chance that Frawley will have in a few years to directly compete for the out-half jersey.

He’s had a mixed time in the position at international level, from match-winning drop goals in South Africa to a sub-standard performance against the All Blacks. Frawley has the quality to remind Farrell what his game is about. He now has the consistent game time to show what he’s capable of.

Connacht’s success is hugely dependent on the power provided by their back-row players.

"Lancaster's teams will always be well prepared and execute their game strategy."

Sean Jansen could also have a very positive November series with the injuries in Ireland’s back row. His physicality for Connacht packs the punch that they need to compliment their fast attacking style.

There are mixed opinions on artificial surfaces. They certainly change the game with faster breakdowns and more difficulty in stopping momentum. The consistent surface allows for better footwork and balance in the ball carry. It was no advantage for Connacht against Saracens, considering the away team also plays on an artificial surface.

However, the game that Connacht have played in the last number of years is dependent on attacking speed and fast breakdowns to mitigate against being the lighter side. This style of play favours a fast track and they showed that last Saturday.

Lancaster’s teams will always be well prepared and execute their game strategy. This Connacht team definitely delivered, and punched above its weight to begin the European season on a positive note.

Consistent with much of Connacht’s performances, their attack was the highlight, while their defence could be improved. It’s been mentioned that it’s difficult to defend on artificial surfaces, and Connacht play many of their games on that type of pitch. This could be partly responsible for some of their points concession.

However, if they want to translate their European performance into a stronger league position, defence is the area that demands the most attention.

Discipline was one factor that allowed Saracens to regain some control in the game. There are many reasons why teams concede penalties and cards. Pressure is one of them.

Connacht were soaking up some defensive pressure. At a time when a big defensive play would turn the game, Shamus Hurley-Langton was sin-binned and Saracens fought their way back into the game.

Connacht now return to United Rugby Championship action with two consecutive home fixtures against Zebre, and a Leinster side that could be depleted by international call-ups

These are valuable opportunities to build on their victory over Saracens and climb the league table. The European result has shown what Connacht can achieve when their attacking game clicks against top-level opposition.

The challenge now is to reproduce that intensity and execution consistently, while tightening up defensively.