Rugby:Connacht are within touching distance of reaching the knockout stages of the Amlin Challenge Cup with Friday night's game against Montpellier at the Sportsground a virtual winner takes all Pool 2 decider.
After four games Connacht lead Pool 2 on 17 points, two ahead of Friday’s opponents with two games remaining.
With only the five Pool winners qualifying for the knockout stages, where they will be joined by three Heineken Cup Pool runners-up, Connacht coach Michael Bradley accepts this will be the moment of truth for the western province.
“It is going to be one of those days on which our season will be judged - we are very conscious of that fact,” said Bradley. “This match against Montpellier is a massive one and they are travelling over here for what looks like being the critical match in the group.
“There are only two points between us and, if they get a win against us, they may well go on and win the group.
“If we get a win on Friday night then we will go on and win the group.”
Connacht, London Wasps and Toulon are the three unbeaten teams so far and, on top of the basic requirement of topping their Pools to qualify for the quarter-finals, there is also the incentive of being the best of the five qualifiers so as to avoid any of the three Heineken Cup teams.
Bonus points could come into play with Toulon holding the advantage on 18 points with Connacht and London Wasps one point adrift.
Connacht have met Montpellier on numerous occasions and hold sway 5-2 from their last seven meetings.
“We do know each other well as we have played them several times in recent seasons and of course we beat them 22-19 over there in Round 2 of this season’s tournament,” added Bradley.
“However, we have had a difficult few weeks with the frost and severe weather so hopefully we can go out on Friday night and qualify for the quarter-finals with a match to spare.”
Connacht received a boost with news that hooker Sean Cronin signed a one-year contract extension.
The 23-year-old joined Connacht in the summer of 2008 having spent three years in the Munster academy and made his full international debut when introduced against Fiji in November.
“It is very encouraging to see a young player come here and progress to be a full international inside a year and a half,” said Connacht chief executive Gerry Kelly.
Brett Wilkinson has recovered from a hand injury he picked up against Munster on St Stephen’s Day and the prop is available for Friday’s game.
Gavin Duffy, however, will not be available as the fullback is still recovering from a cracked cheekbone that will leave him sidelined for at least another two weeks.