Connacht face a tough assignment against a Beziers side that has suffered just one defeat in the French championship this season, and that a narrow 27-25 loss to Toulouse. There may be few star names on the home team but they do have the place-kicking excellence of Argentinean outhalf Gonzalo Quesada.
The latter was the prime executioner when Ireland lost in the 1999 World Cup play-off game to Argentina and also wore the number 10 jersey against Ireland in the recent World Cup.
Connacht will be aware that in playing a French side on their home patch, the performance of the pack will be crucial.
Eric Elwood is back in the pivot position; Mark McHugh reverting to full back. The Irish province will be hoping that they can keep the tie alive for next Saturday, when they host Beziers at the Sportsground. Incidentally all children will be admitted free to that match.
It will be tough, as it always is in France, and a 10-point defeat or less would represent a significant Connacht achievement.
BEZIERS: tbc.
CONNACHT: M McHugh; M Mostyn, D Yapp, T Allnutt (capt.), C McPhillips; E Elwood, C Keane; D McFarland, B Jackman, A Clarke; M McCarthy, D Browne; M Swift, J O'Sullivan, M Lacey.
Referee: A Lombardi (Italy).
VERDICT: Beziers.
Beziers v Connacht
Stade de la Mediterranee
Sunday, 2.0 (Irish time)
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