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.

This season Connacht signed some key experienced campaigners, none more so than former Scottish international outhalf Dan Parks and former Mooloo and Leinster prop Nathan White, who has been handed the captaincy in the absence of the injured Gavin Duffy. And with veteran Connacht players Mike McCarthy, Michael Swift, John Muldoon, and George Naoupu, there is a more seasoned look to the side, particularly up front.

Muldoon returns from injury to the blindside, while Denis Buckley and hooker Ethienne Reynecke are named alongside White in the front row. The backline remains unchanged with fullback Robbie Henshaw and Ireland U20 scrum-half Kieran Marmion making their Heineken Cup debuts. Coach Eric Elwood is looking to these players to get them over the winning line this afternoon.

“We definitely feel it’s a must-win game,” said coach Eric Elwood. “We are putting pressure on ourselves because it is our first game in this year’s Heineken Cup and, if we are looking to build on last year’s experience, then we are targeting this match.”

Five weeks ago Connacht secured a worthy, but hard-fought win over the Parma outfit by 30- 17 in the RaboDirect Pro12, and anything other than a victory will be seen as a backward step.

Given they must also face Europe’s third ranked side Biarritz and English champions Harlequins, who will be determined to avenge last year’s defeat which ended their qualification hopes, the Zebre game is one they cannot afford to lose.

Elwood is warning his players to prepare for a tough encounter, not only in defence where Zebre’s back three are highly dangerous, but also up front.

“Zebre have changed their style of play and not only do they pose a huge threat in their backline, but they have a very strong set piece. This is a game where we need to have our mind set to match them physically.

“After last year when there was so much euphoria being our first year in the Heineken Cup, there isn’t the same buzz about this match, particularly having played Zebre in the league already. It may not be the glamour fixture, but it is our first match in this season’s Heineken Cup and it is their first ever match in the tournament, so it’s a must-win for both sides.”