Connacht are on the hunt to ensure a best possible seeding by bagging maximum points in their final European Challenge Cup pool fixture against Montauban on Saturday in Dexcom (8pm ).
“We need to get five points, make sure we’re in the mix. That’s absolutely the goal,” says Connacht scrum coach Cullie Tucker on Saturday’s fixture against the French side at Dexcom Stadium.
Despite the narrow two-point loss to Montpellier in France, Tucker says Connacht need to learn how to capitalise on opportunities, while also halting their opponents’ momentum.
“Disappointed, but in the grander scheme of things, to go to the south of France, perform like that, with props Billy Bohan and Fiachna Barrett, and numerous others who are very young – John Devine, Matthew Victory, Sean Walsh and Albert Lindner making first senior appearances – they’ll be better for that experience.
“So there’s loads of positives, their confidence is building, they’re getting different pressures and experiences, which is huge for the club and for those guys in the future, but we had massive opportunities, as well, to stem momentum, which is probably the biggest learning for us.”
Connacht, still in the mix to get a home quarter-final, “absolutely” need five points from this weekend’s round.
“That is the goal. Obviously, Black Lion winning last week puts them in the mix now, Montpellier want a top seeding, and they’re going up to Ospreys, so our focus is very much on getting five points.”
Although Montauban are propping up the Top 14 table in last spot, Tucker says nothing can be taken for granted.
“Montauban might be struggling in the Top 14 for sure, but it’s an unforgiving league as well, you know,” he says.
That is without mentioning Montauban boast players like Vaea Fifita, one of the best forwards in the world, tighthead Valentin Simutoga and winger Josua Vici, the top poacher in the Top 14 and in the top five for line breaks.
Multiple threats
“There’s plenty of stuff for us to worry about. Their ability to get down the field through kicking and kick-chase as well. They’ve had some hard results for sure, but when you look at them, they’ve got x-factor all around the pitch that we need to be very, very aware of. I actually think they have one of the best back fives I’ve seen.”
However, Tucker says Connacht also needs to mind its “own house this week”.
Connacht youngsters provided real spark last weekend, and Tucker says young Irish players are now used to winning.
“Through all ages grades they have probably worn national jerseys and provincial jerseys, so they’re pretty fearless in that respect. This is a huge game for us. We want to be in the knockout stages of Europe.
“There’s still a chance to get a home quarter-final idea, but we’re relying on other teams, obviously. But we’ve got to make sure, as a club, we’re in the knock-out stage of this competition.”
