Sarries showdown focuses Lam mind

Connacht 20 Zebre 3

With Toulouse heading the group and expected to overcome Zebre next weekend, the winners in Allianz Park would finish in second place and have a real chance of qualification or a place in the Amlin Cup.

Connacht did all but collect a try bonus point against Zebre in the Sportsground on Saturday to keep their hopes alive, but coach Pat Lam was left sweating on yesterday’s result between joint leaders Toulouse and Saracens in France. Toulouse’s 21-11 victory over the English Premiership outfit ensured Connacht, now with 13 points from three wins, can overtake Sarries to claim that vital runners-up spot.