Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final
Connacht v Toulon Friday 7.45pm (Live on Sky Sports 3)
The Sportsground will be absolutely hopping this evening as Toulon come to Galway for possibly the biggest game in Connacht’s history. Evenings like this are vindication for the men and women who took to the streets in support of the province when it was threatened with extinction in 2003.
But before we get carried away with nostalgia and the romanticism of the occasion, we must remember that there’s still a rugby match to be played, and against serious opposition to boot. Toulon have more than a hint of glamour about them, they can afford to attract the likes of Tana Umaga, George Gregan and more recently Jonny Wilkinson and Felipe Contepomi on lucrative short term contracts and not pay too much heed to the balance sheet.
Umaga and Contepomi don’t even feature in the squad for tonight’s game, a sign of the depth of quality available to the French side, who ominously for the home side, are in quite good nick at the moment. A 26-23 win over Brive at the weekend confirmed their place in the Top 14 semi finals, while in the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup, they comfortably overcame the Llanelli Scarlets on a 38-12 scoreline.
The Scarlets, in case you have forgotten, scored nine tries in their defeat of Connacht last weekend, although it was a largely second string starting XV who made the trip to Wales.
Jonny Wilkinson tends to inflict most damage on the opposition with his accurate place kicking, but there is quality littered elsewhere throughout Phillip Saint-André’s side. Gabiriele Lovobalavu and Mati Kefu will pose a significant threat in the backs and up front, Joe van Niekirk and Saimone Taumoepeau will attempt to dominate the home pack.
There is a reason that Connacht are unbeaten in this season’s competition, however and Michael Bradley will be delighted to have captain John Muldoon available after a groin injury. Fionn Carr has scored seven tries already in the competition and will hope to add to his tally from the left wing while Ian Keatley will seek to vindicate Bradley’s decision to select him at out half instead of Miah Nikora, who settled the quarter final against Bourgoin with a last gasp drop goal.
The Odds:
Connacht 11/5, Toulon 1/3, Draw 22/1
JOE Prediction: Connacht to prolong their magnificent run in the competition with a narrow win. Connacht by five points or less.
