Bradley braces for the backlash from Beziers’ huge pack

CONNACHT coach Michael Bradley has warned his forwards they must win more possession against Beziers at the Galway Sportsgrounds this afternoon (2pm).

Eight points up from the first leg of their Parker Pen Challenge Cup tie, Bradley knows quality possession is crucial if Connacht are to advance.

He is well aware Beziers are capable of turning the tables after Connacht’s sensational 18-10 win in France last week.

“There is only a score between us and, while I was delighted with the win away from home last weekend, the outcome is far from being done and dusted.”

Bradley reckons Beziers are one of the strongest teams in the competition.

“They were short a few players last week, probably had about 80% of the possession, but didn’t make that advantage pay.

“I was delighted with the way we defended and took our scoring chances. But we can’t sit back and reckon we’ve got through to the next round.

“Beziers have a huge pack and probably did not play too well from a tactical point of view. They will come out with all guns blazing with a stronger side than they had on the field last week.”

That fear was confirmed yesterday when the leaders of the French Championship announced ten changes, including the introduction of five full internationals.

French internationals Jean Marc Aue, Sebastien Bruno, Steven Hall and experienced flanker Arnaud Costes have been drafted in having missed the tie last Sunday for a variety of reasons. Also back is Argentinian prop Pablo Cardinali, to a side with a dozen full internationals on their books.

Bradley remains optimistic Connacht can advance to the next round, against either Italian side Parma or French team Pau.

“This is certainly going to be a very difficult game against top class opposition. The mood in the camp is good, though, and we hope there will be a decent crowd to help us through.

“We’re facing up against a huge pack, and I mean a huge pack. Beziers really are a quality side with all the physical resources they require to put opposition teams away.”

CONNACHT: M. McHugh; M. Mostyn. D. Yapp, T. Allnutt (capt.), C. McPhillips; E. Elwood, C. O’Loughlin; D. McFarland, B. Jackman, A. Clarke; M. McCarthy, D. Browne; M. Swift, P. Neville, J. O’Sullivan.

Replacements: J. Fogarty, F. Boiroux, T. Carter, M. Lacey, M. Walls, D. Hewitt, T. Robinson.

BEZIERS: G. Arrandiga; P. Escalle, JM Aue, Y. Audrin, D. Vainqueur; F.Todeschini, P. Broncan; A. Tolofua, S. Bruno, P. Cardinali; S. Hall, M. Koita; A. Costes, A. Petrache, O. Llari.

Replacements: G. Shvelidze, JF Pedesseau, M. Uanbayev, Y. Nyanga, N. Durand, G. Delmotte, Y. Lafforgue.