European Challenge Cup: Connacht's late try at the Sportsground against Sale in the first leg of their Challenge Cup semi-final keeps Michael Bradley's side in touch with the possibility of a final place against either Pau or Brive. But more importantly a win this weekend would keep alive their hopes of a Heineken European Cup place next year.
Outsiders would say that the Celtic League route and a play-off against the third best Italian side was Connacht's easiest way into next year's premier European competition. Now that entry point has been closed and the required eight-point win in Edgeley Park has sharpened focus for this weekend.
Sale relied on forward power to dominate the second half of the first leg in Galway, Sebastien Chabal's try being followed by two from Mark Cueto. But Connacht, despite injuries to Peter Bracken, Matt Lacey and Ray Hogan, hold out hopes that their fighting spirit can take them closer to their goal.
Bradley is looking forward to Sunday's second leg, as his team attempt to reach a European final for the first time. "It's great to be still involved in European rugby at this stage of the season," he said yesterday. "Our stated ambition from the start of the season was to get into the 2005/'06 Heineken Cup and this game represents our last opportunity to achieve this goal.
"We are looking forward to the opportunity of taking on Sale again. We are fully aware of the threat they pose, in particular at scrum time and on counter attacks. We will be looking to do some work to combat these areas in the coming days."
Connacht have beaten Narbonne, Montpellier and Grenoble en route to what is their second semi-final in as many seasons, while last season Harlequins were four points to the good after the two matches.
Captain Andrew Farley is looking for one massive effort from his fellow players that would propel them into the final.
"We are all focused on securing the victory that is required this weekend. We are looking to earn our right to compete in a European final and we will leave no stone unturned in attempting to achieve this," he said yesterday.
Because of the injuries picked up last Saturday against The Dragons, Connacht have delayed naming their side for Sunday as they carry out fitness tests on a number of players.
Meanwhile, the times of the AIB All-Ireland League Division One semi-final play-offs have been decided. Shannon face Clontarf at 2pm on April 30th with Garryowen entertaining Belfast Harlequins at 1.15pm on the same day, that match is to be televised live on RTÉ 1.
St Mary's home tie with UCC is also on that date in the first of the Division Two semi-finals, UL Bohemians play Dolphin on May 1st in the other.
SATURDAY APRIL 30TH - All-Ireland League semi-final play-offs: Division One: Shannon v Clontarf, 2.0, Garryowen v Belfast Harlequins, 1.15. Division Two: St Mary's v UCC. Templeville Road, 2.30. Division Three: Greystones v Suttonians, Dr Hickey Park, 2.30; Clonakilty v Instonians, Shannonvale 2.30. Qualifying round robin: Naas v Monivea, 2.30; Nenagh Ormond v Rainey OB, 2.30. All-Ireland Under-20 final: Dublin University v Lansdowne.
SUNDAY MAY 1ST - All-Ireland League semi-final play-off: Division Two: UL Bohemians v Dolphin, Thomond Park 2.30.
SATURDAY MAY 7TH - All-League Finals (at Lansdowne Road) - Division Three, 12.0; Division Two, 2.0; Division One, 4.0.