Connacht focused on Stoop to conquer Quins challenge

Barry Coughlan

The first of a two leg semi-final takes place at the Stoop, with the overall tournament-winners clinching automatic qualification for next season’s Heineken Cup.

But Bradley, though knowing the trauma winning the tournament would cause the IRFU, who are only allowed three representatives in the competition, hasn’t given the possibility a second thought.

“It’s nice to have the situation confirmed and we didn’t expect any other decision when the ERC met to discuss the issue recently. But the Heineken Cup is hardly on our minds. We have a hell of a lot to do just to reach the final, never mind win it."

Bradley has warned his players to expect a tough game. “I went over to see Harlequins play and I came back knowing they are an exciting side who play a very fast brand of rugby.

“They are hugely aggressive in their defensive system. They are a very physical side.”

Harlequins sent scouts to see Connacht beat Neath/Swansea Ospreys in Galway last weekend. Bradley hopes the scrappy performance was a prelude to something better. Let’s hope it was a case of a bad dress rehearsal for when it really matters. That victory has given us a boost but we are under no illusions as to the task facing us over the two legs in a different competition.”

Meanwhile, Harlequins’ bubbling start to the season has gone off the boil - and the Parker Pen competition could provide the best, or only avenue for a route into the Heinken Cup.

“After a fine start everything could disappear over the two legs against Connacht,” said backs coach and former Wales fly-half Paul Turner.

“This is a huge game and we know what we can produce. We have good players so, while we have a lot of

battlers, we also have to close games down after three close defeats and a draw at London Irish on Sunday.”

Harlequins are well aware of their opponents - three-quarter Gavin Duffy joined from Connacht, Turner has tracked them closely on TV while fellow assistant coach John Kingston is a former Galwegians coach.

“They are about as familiar to us as most Zurich sides and we appreciate that Michael Bradley has done a really good job,” said Turner.

“They might not have star names but they play good rugby and are an industrious side. They deserve credit for what they’ve achieved. They have won away at some tough grounds, so The Stoop will not faze them.”