Bradley setting sights on top spot

CONNACHT’S lack of match practice will not be used as an excuse when they host Montpellier in this evening’s deciding European pool fixture at the Galway Sportsground.

A victory for either side would ensure a top pool position and a quarter-final in this year’s revamped Amlin Challenge Cup competition, but coach Michael Bradley says lack of game time due to the big freeze is not an issue.

“We are not going to use it as an excuse because it is too important a match. The lads will be rested – that’s a positive. They haven’t had a whole lot of contact in terms of games – that’s a negative. However we have simulated contact as best we can in training.”

Connacht have been able to train on the pitch this week for the first time since it was deemed unplayable for their Magners League fixture with Leinster on January 2 and their subsequent game against the Dragons.

However Montpellier arrived in Galway yesterday morning with three French 14 matches under their belts, including victories over Stade Francais and leaders Castre.

“Montpellier are on a bit of a high at the moment,” said Bradley.

“Even though they lost to Biarritz with 14 changes, they were very competitive, but their two wins, firstly over Stade and then Castre, really means the whole club is in a very positive frame of mind. It is a huge game for us. We always felt this match would be pivotal. If we beat them, we effectively win the group as we should beat Madrid, so with six wins you would hope to secure a home quarter-final.’’

To top the pool – the first time since 1998 – and bag a quarter-final spot would provide Connacht with a home fixture against one of the best Heineken Cup sides in Europe.

“That would be a good progression for this side, and that would be a great target for us and Connacht Rugby come April.”

Connacht sit two points ahead of Montpellier whose only loss was to the Irish side in October by 22–19.

Bradley says that game could have gone either way, and as a result nothing is being taken for granted for this return fixture.

“They know that when we played them in Montpellier it was a very close game and they probably could have got a draw in the last few minutes had they taken their kicks at goal. Instead they tried to run in a try to win the game – that’s how close it was.”

Montpellier captain Michael Macurdy agrees: “We are expecting a very tough game at Connacht – especially after losing to them at home in a tight game. Now we want to produce a good performance with quarter-final qualification the goal.”