Connacht look to old heads for tough Montpellier test
The two sides are no strangers, having played in the European Challenge Cup for three successive seasons, 2004 to 06, but the significance of tonight’s fixture has been heightened by Montpellier’s first round shock victory over pool 2 favourites Worcester.
That 22-17 victory at Sixways on the opening weekend was Montpellier’s first away in Europe, while Connacht’s was a predictable 46–6 victory over newcomers Olympus Madrid. Whichever teams wins tonight will be in pole position to top Pool 2.
Connacht know what to expect in the south of France, and coach Michael Bradley will have his charges primed for what could well be another bruising and physical battle in front of an intimidating home support.
As a result Bradley has named his most experienced and wily campaigners. Veteran Michael Swift retains his second-row partnership with Bernie Upton, while captain John Muldoon’s return to No 8 necessitates a switch for Mike McCarthy to the blndside at the expense of Andrew Browne. In the front row hooker Sean Cronin return alongside Brett Wilkinson and Jamie Hagan.
The 18-year-old Tiernan O’Halloran, who marked his debut against Madrid with one of eight tries, must be content with a place on the bench as Bradley has opted to bring in Troy Nathan on the wing.
Nathan, who featured in the centre in the absence of the injured Niva Ta’asuo until his return last week, is preferred for his experience, willingness to defend, and his recent form in attack. Keith Matthews rejoins Ta’auso in the centre, while Frank Murphy will return to the No 9 shirt.
The most notable selection is at out half where Miah Nikora is preferred to Ian Keatley for this contest. Nikora’s only blemish last week was his goal-kicking, but is considered stronger in defence.
Montpellier have made changes to their squad, bringing in a handful of more experienced players, including French international full back Benajmin Thierry, Georgian lock Mamuka Gorgodze, and Fijian backrow Masi Matadigo.
Although Montpellier’s emphasis remains on their home championship where they are nestled near the bottom in 13th place, their surprise victory over Worcester has given them the belief – for the first time – that they are on the verge of making a big impact in Europe. It ensures Connacht are facing an uphill battle.
MONTPELLIER (v Connacht): B Thiery, J Schutte, O Smith, F Nicot, A Pratmarty, F Todeschini, A Tomas, E Van Staden, M Ladhuie, B Douglas, M Macurdy, M Gorgodze, J Vallée, M Giraud, S Matadigo.
Replacements: J Caudullo, N Leleimalefaga, D Hancke, V Bost, B Paillaugue, G Doumayrou, S Max, K Kervarec.
CONNACHT (v Montpellier): G Duffy, T Nathan, N Ta’auso, K Matthews, F Carr, M Nikora, F Murphy, B Wilkinson, S Cronin, J Hagan, M Swift, B Upton, M McCarthy, J O’Connor, J Muldoon.
Replacements: R Loughney, C Higgins, A Flavin, A Browne, M McComish, C O’Loughlin, I Keatley, T O’Halloran.
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