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The stakes are getting higher for Connacht as they head into this evening's European quarter-final against English premiership side Sale at the AJ Bell Stadium (7.45pm) and coach Andy Friend insists his side will continue to push the boundaries.

The stakes are increasing as the penultimate European pool fixtures take place this weekend, and the Sportsground will host a key game when Sale arrive in Galway on Saturday (3pm).

Connacht coach Andy Friend believes securing a win against Perpignan at the Sportsground (3pm) this weekend in the European Challenge Cup is important to continue the momentum the province has built up over their last three matches as they head into one of the busiest times of the season.

Connacht coach Andy Friend says his players are ready for whatever the Cheetahs and the conditions of Bloemfontein will throw at them whenever kick-off comes around on Saturday at the Toyota Stadium.

Connacht coach Andy Friend believes his team have what it takes to make the Champions Cup after watching them destroy a hapless Dragons side on Saturday. James Cannon and Colby Fainga’a scored their first tries for the province in a 33-12 bonus point win that carried them up to fifth in the Pro14 Conference A table. Seven Pro14 teams qualify for the Champions Cup and Friend reckons his squad can kick on and grab one of the spots. They are certainly benefiting from the impact of Australian imports David Horwitz and Fainga’a and optimism currently abounds.

Andy Friend, after this first 10 weeks as the new Connacht coach, believes his squad is capable of being a Champions Cup rugby team.

Connacht coach Andy Friend is prepared to "roll the dice" in his selections this week ahead of the Dragons' visit the the Sportsground on Saturday.

Historical baggage can be incentive or curse, or as Connacht coach Andy Friend now believes, it should be ignored.

Historical baggage can be incentive or curse, or as Connacht coach Andy Friend now believes, it should be ignored.

Connacht Rugby head to Bristol for a reunion with former coach Pat Lam and captain John Muldoon, looking to make it a hat-trick of pre-season wins.