Connacht’s Euro day of judgement arrives

Date Published: {J}

Judgement day has arrived. Connacht face into a season-defining clash against Montpellier this Friday (7pm) in a ‘winner takes all’ battle that will ultimately decide which of the two teams will qualify for the knock-out stages of the European Challenge Cup.

Although there is another round of games in Pool 2 still to go, Connacht and Montpellier are widely expected to defeat Madrid and Worcester Warriors in the last round respectively – and given they are rooted to the foot of the Magners League table – the success, or otherwise, of the westerner’s season hinges on this weekend’s crunch tie with the French.

Preparations for the all-important clash have been far from ideal for Coach Michael Bradley and his squad as the province aims to qualify for the quarter-finals of this competition for the seventh time.

Connacht haven’t played since being trounced by Munster at Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day after both home games against Leinster and the Dragons were cancelled due to the ‘big freeze’ – although the squad utilised the all-weather pitch, Connacht only trained on the main pitch for the first time in weeks on Tuesday.

Added to that is a jaw injury that has ruled out in-form full-back Gavin Duffy although, on a positive note, prop forward Brett Wilkinson has been passed fit to play.

Hooker Seán Cronin’s decision earlier this week to sign a one-year extension to his contract also came as a boost to team morale – it was widely anticipated that the 23-years old Limerickman would return to play for his native Munster.

Cronin, who made his full international debut against Fiji in autumn, opted to stay with Connacht for another year due to him receiving regular starts with the province which has kept him in the spotlight for the Ireland selectors.

The number two will be a key player in ensuring Connacht remain unbeaten in the Cup this weekend and while they have a good track record against Montpellier – and defeated them 22-19 in France in round two of the competition – the French side has improved considerably since then.

Montpellier face into this game high on confidence on the back of a 15-0 win over French Super 14 league leaders Castres last weekend, which, amazingly, is the first time any team in France’s premier competition so far this season has been hel scoreless this season.

A mean defence awaits Connacht on Friday but Montpellier can be creative in attack, too, and won six of the nine matches they have played since losing to Connacht in October. It’s always difficult to know how any French side will travel; the fact that Montpellier are more than likely out of contention for a play-off spot in the domestic league means they could well, like the home side, be targeting the European Cup as a way of salvaging their season.

For more, read page 44 of this week’s Galway City Tribune.