European Challenge Cup/Connacht v Montpellier Sportsground, 2.30: Michael Bradley will look at this match as the first in a sequence of two important meetings. Facing Montpellier in the Sportsground today before a quick turnaround for the away fixture next weekend in the south of France puts quite a different complexion on the home game.
Not only do Connacht need a win but a win with something to spare before their travels.
The encouraging comeback win over Narbonne in October in the first round of the competition, combined with two victories in the Celtic League in the past two weekends, suggests Connacht are up for the challenge. In keeping with Bradley's philosophy of sustaining a fresh squad he has made five changes to the side that defeated Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend, although two of them are forced.
Matt Lacey and Darren Yapp have both been ruled out of the match with shoulder injuries, while Ray Hogan, Bernard Jackman, Michael Swift, Eric Elwood and Ted Robinson all come in for today's encounter.
Prop Hogan and hooker Jackman join Stephen Knoop in the front row with Swift taking his place at blindside flanker. Elwood naturally goes to the outhalf position with Robinson settling on the right wing.
An all-ticket game, Montpellier arrive as team of the week following a cracking 18-7 win at home against Biarritz on Saturday. However, Connacht should take some comfort from the fact it was Narbonne that previously defeated Montpellier at home.
Connacht will also realise that they will not have the comfort of a home ground and crowd if they have to play catch-up as they did in the first round.
But Connacht's form is good enough to win against a strong mauling side with a competent back line where the former Scotland outhalf Gregor Townsend is pulling the strings. "As far as Connacht are concerned we played well in our win over Newport Dragons. We were confident in what we did and we created many chances," said Bradley. "What was disappointing is we know we could have done even better as we missed a number of scoring opportunities."
A home win today against a side without Argentine flanker Martin Durand and centre Alessandro Stoica is realistic. But the margin may in the end decide just how much of a success that is.
CONNACHT: Matt Mostyn, Ted Robinson, Paul Warwick, James Downey, Conor McPhillips, Eric Elwood, Chris Keane; Ray Hogan, Bernard Jackman, Stephen Knoop, Chris Short, Andrew Farley, Michael Swift, John Muldoon, John O'Sullivan. Replacement: John Fogarty; Dan McFarland, Peter Bracken, Pieter Myburgh, Brendan O'Connor, Conor O'Loughlin, Michael Walls.
MONTPELLIER: F Benazech, A Koko, F Charrier, M Taele, L Arbo; G Townsend, Y Saladie; J Brugnaut, J Caudullo, C Baiocco, M Bert, J Daniell, C Mathieu, M Macurdy, J Vallee. Replacement-O Diomande, J Meunier, P Tacchella, S Nouchi, C Chemin, S Buada, B Guilloux.
FORMGUIDE: Round 1: 1st leg-Narbonne 25, Connacht 11; 2nd leg-Connacht 40, Narbonne 21; 1st leg-Rovigo 7, Montpellier 51; 2nd leg- Montpellier 59, Rovigo 3.
Referee: D Rose (England).
Verdict: Home win.
