Must-win opener for confident Connacht

Connacht open their second Heineken Cup campaign full of expectation when they face Italian newcomers Zebre in Parma this afternoon.

Although they have Leinster to thank yet again for their entry, Connacht’s increasing confidence and maturity ensure they face into Pool 3 with more expectation than hope this year.

It is a far cry from their debut last season when they were up against English Premiership side Harlequins, Euro giants Toulouse and Gloucester. Despite acquitting themselves more than adequately, they suffered five defeats before eventually grabbing a 9-8 victory over Harlequins in their final pool fixture. It arrested a run of 14 losses and from there Connacht went to secure their highest Rabodirect Pro12 league finish.