RUGBY AMLIN CHALLENGE CUP: POOL ONE:Connacht v Harlequins. Kick-off:7pm
ERIC ELWOOD did state the Magners League was the priority in his first campaign as head coach. So, with that in mind, last week’s defeat to Harlequins at The Stoop can be interpreted as the door bolting on their European aspirations thus forcing them to refocus on their league placing once this fixture is out of the way.
Elwood had more pressing problems this week as revelations that Seán Cronin, Ian Keatley and Fionn Carr could be leaving for brighter pastures next summer. The young trio want to play for Ireland, so they want to play Heineken Cup. This unfortunately is what happens when you place your best players on one-year contracts.
With Harlequins and Bayonne five points clear this game is not really relevant to Connacht. It is, however, hugely important to Conor O’Shea’s aspirations as Harlequins’ director of rugby and the return of English internationals Nick Easter and Danny Care hardly bodes well for the hosts.
Considering their league form in the English Premiership this appears to be Harlequins’ best route into the Heineken Cup. They certainly look one of the main contenders, with Michael Cheika’s Stade Francais being the obvious favourites with 14 points from three outings.
Harlequins need these four points; Connacht can be forgiven for letting their thoughts stray to Munster’s visit to the Sportsground on St Stephen’s Day. That’s a huge challenge for them now. That and keeping hold of their best players.
Meanwhile, Elwood and his former Ireland team-mate Anthony Foley were yesterday confirmed as the coaching ticket to lead the Ireland Wolfhounds when they take on Scotland A and England Saxons in the new year. Elwood was named as head coach with Foley, Munster defence coach, to take responsibility for the forwards.
Joey Miles has been involved with the Wolfhounds side for the last five years and will continue as part of the coaching set up for the two fixtures at the end of January and start of February.
Elwood said: “I know from my time with the Ireland under-20 team there is nothing more satisfying than bringing players together and to help prepare them to represent their country.”
CONNACHT:G Duffy; D Fanning, I Keatley, K Matthews, F Carr; M Nikora, F Murphy; R Loughney, S Cronin, J Hagan; M Swift, M McCarthy; A Browne, J O'Connor, J Muldoon (capt). Replacements: A Flavin, R Sweeney, B Fa'amausili, B Upton, M McComish, C Willis, T Nathan, B Tuohy.
HARLEQUINS:M Brown; G Camacho, G Lowe, J Turner-Hall, T Williams; N Evans, D Care; C Jones, J Gray, J Johnston; O Kohn, P Browne; T Guest, C Robshaw (capt), N Easter. Replacements: M Cairns, J Marler, M Lambert, T Vallejos, W Skinner, K Dickson, R Clegg, T Casson.
Referee:J Jones (Wales).
Verdict:Harlequins to win.
