It's do or die for Connacht

Catania v Connacht Santa Maria Goretti, 6.30Connacht's bid for a fourth successive quarter-final hinges on tonight's fixture against Sicilian side Catania. Nothing short of a victory will suffice, and anything short of that would be a disaster for a Connacht outfit whose season may once again hinge on their European Challenge Cup form.

In this year's highly competitive Cup campaign, dominated by English premiership sides, Connacht have lost only one game - against pool five leaders Worcester - to place them in a strong position. Yet they still need to overcome the Italian outfit at Stadio Santa Maria Goretti to qualify.

Based on their previous performances in the campaign, they are expected to succeed, but coach Michael Bradley is taking no chances with his strongest available outfit travelling.

Connacht registered a 62-17 victory over Catania in the Galway Sportsground in October, but the Italian side, although struggling in the Italian championship, surprised Montpellier with a 37-34 win, having lost 74-12 in France. Similarly pool leaders Worcester produced a 44-8 win in England, but could only muster an uncomfortable 19-14 victory in Italy.

As expected Connacht travelled on Wednesday afternoon with only one change to their squad, enforced by an eye injury to prop Ray Hogan, and after yesterday's captain's run at the 10,000 seater Italian stadium, Bradley reported no changes.

"We are confident we will come through this game also as long as we give Catania the respect they deserve," said Bradley yesterday.

Connacht only need a win to qualify as one of the best three runners-up, but even in the event of Worcester losing to Montpellier in France and Connacht finishing as pool five winners, their match points would be insufficient to guarantee a home draw.

Connacht will not know their quarter-final opponents until most matches are completed on Saturday, and it could be any one of London Irish, Newcastle Falcons or Northampton.

CONNACHT: M Mostyn, T Robinson, J Hearty, K Matthews, C McPhillips, D Slemen, C Keane; D McFarland, J Fogarty, S Knoop, C Short, A Farley, J Muldoon, M Lacey, C Rigney. Replacements: C Venter, A Clarke, M Swift, B O'Connor, T Tierney, P Warwick, M McHugh.