Connacht will attempt to snap a losing streak that stands at four games when they travel to France to take on Brive tonight as the battle for quarter-final slots continues in the European Challenge Cup.
Pat Lam’s side lead the way in Pool One, two points clear of both their French opponents and Newcastle, who play Enisei-STM in Sochi. With Connacht hosting the Russians in the final round of games next weekend, Lam has targeted a home tie in the last eight.
Today’s game “is a massive one for us in terms of our European ambitions,” admitted Lam, who has made 10 changes to his side from last Sunday’s tight defeat away to the Scarlets.
“Securing a home quarter-final is a goal we set out at the start of the season. Brive are flying in the Top 14 and have only been beaten once at home this season, so we know it’s going to be another tough assignment on the road. But playing in France is always a challenge the boys enjoy.”
‘Back from injury’
“We’ve made a few changes to the side with the short enough turnaround from last week’s trip to Wales. With guys coming back from injury, competition for places is very high and this is a great opportunity for those lining out tomorrow to put in a performance for the team.”
Connacht make the bulk of their changes in the pack, including a new frontrow in Ronan Loughney, Jason Harris-Wright and Rodney Ah You. Aly Muldowney comes in to join Ultan Dillane in the secondrow, while John Muldoon moves to number eight to allow Seán O’Brien play at blindside, with fellow Academy player James Connolly at openside.
AJ MacGinty and Ian Porter make up a new halfback partnership; Danie Poolman comes back on the right wing and Rory Perata starts at outside centre with Bundee Aki moving inside.
Brive, who have lost just once at the Stade Amédée-Domenech this season, have made 11 changes from the 19-18 victory over Montpellier last time out.
History is on Brive’s side, having won two of the last three clashes between the sides, with Connacht possibly having to wait until next weekend at the Sportsground to book their spot in the knockout stages.
Verdict: Brive
BRIVE: R Sola; G Namy, T Laranjeira, C Tuatara, B Masilevu; M Ugalde, JB Pejoine; G Shvelidze, T Acquier, K Buys; V Lebas, A Mela; W Whetton, F Sanconnie, S Koyamaibole.
Replacements: G Ribes,D Lavergne, Y Tuncer, W Steenkamp, P Luafutu, T Iribaren, N Bézy, A Mignardi
CONNACHT: T O'Halloran; D Poolman, R Parata, B Aki, M Healy; AJ MacGinty, I Porter; R Loughney, J Harris-Wright, R Ah You; U Dillane, A Muldowney; S O'Brien, J Connolly, J Muldoon (capt).
Replacements: T McCartney, D Buckley, F Bealham, G Naoupu, E Masterson, C Blade, J Carty, P Robb.
Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys (England).
