Connacht coach Steph Nel spoke of the need for the province to shed the mantle of gallant underdogs, capable of the occasional upset. Against Beziers they could have won but Nel was honest enough to concede that it would have been a victory against the head. He has introduced Ian Dillon and Gavin Schoeman to the back row to add great bulk, conscious of the requirements of a trip to The Gnoll.
There was no shame in Neath's heavy defeat by a Montferrand side who would have little trouble in acquitting themselves in the European Cup. The need to win all home games will galvanise the Welsh side. They have a strong pack, led by New Zealand-born Welsh international Brett Sinkinson and decent halfbacks in Patrick Horgan and former London Irish outhalf James Brown.
Connacht's performance graph has been rising steadily since the start of the season and if they can maintain that progression then victory is not beyond them. The addition of Rowan Frost to the pack has been beneficial in the absence of Mark McConnell, but it is behind the scrum that Connacht will look for a greater return.
Eric Elwood will need to get the best from full back Wayne Munn, Pat Duignan, Mick Smyth and Tim Allnutt, while former Bristol player Darren Yapp offers considerable physical presence on the left wing. If Connacht compete successfully up front and are composed and precise in their use of possession, then they could spring a surprise.
Neath: S Stephens; DR Williams, T Tiueti, G John, G Morris; J Brown; P Horgan; D Jones, S Jones, A Millward; S Martin, G Llewellyn; R Francis, N Bonner-Evans; B Sinkinson.
Connacht: W Munn; P Duignan, M Smyth, T Allnutt, D Yapp; E Elwood, B Shelbourne; D McFarland, M Uijs, J Screene; R Frost, D Browne; J Charlie, G Schoeman, I Dillon.
Referee: G de Santis (Italy).
Neath
Results so far: lost v Montferrand (a) 55-17.
Leading points scorer: James Brown 7 (2 cons, dr gl).
Leading try scorers: D Williams, P Horgan 1 each.
Connacht
Results so far: lost v Beziers (h) 16-14.
Leading points scorer: Eric Elwood 9 (3 pens).
Leading try scorer: M Uijs 1.
Previous meetings: None.
Forecast: Connacht to win.
