European Shield

Connacht coach Steph Nel described his side's first half performance against Montferrand last week as probably their best display this season. They trailed at the interval 27-21 and it wasn't until the closing 20 minutes, following the introduction of five further internationals that the French side applied a little gloss to a 58-21 victory.

Today at Ericsson Park in Athlone - a novel choice for a Connacht home match - the men from the west will be looking to build upon last week's efforts. Junior Charlie returns to the backrow but otherwise it is the same personnel who battled so hard last weekend. The home side will be hoping that the vociferous support that Buccaneers are afforded at home will be replicated this afternoon.

French sides are never as assured away from the sanctuary of home turf. That said, Montferrand boast a very impressive team and are one of the favourites for overall honours in the Shield. Their cosmopolitan line-up includes Australian international hooker Marco Caputo, French ace Olivier Magne and Tongan Johnny N'Gaumo amongst other internationals.

The Connacht pack will once again be charged with providing a platform and then perhaps the gifted Shane Stephens can be handed a stage to display his talent. It should be a lot closer this time but possibly still beyond Connacht's grasp.

CONNACHT: R Lee; P Duignan, S Stephens, T Allnutt, D Yapp; E Elwood, J Ferris; J Screene, J McVeigh, M Cahill; R Frost, M McConnell (capt); I Dillon, J Charlie, J O'Connor.

MONTFERRAND: N Nadau; A Rougerie, J N'Gaumo, T Marsh, D Bory; G Merceron, A Troncon (capt); A Tolofua, M Caputo, A Galasso; E Lecomte, J Thion; A Audebert, J Machacek, O Magne.

Referee: A Ireland (Scotland).

Previous meetings: None.

Connacht results so far: lost to Beziers (h) 14-16; lost to Neath (a) 45-0; lost to Montferrand (a) 58-21.

Leading points scorer: Eric Elwood 20.

Leading try scorers: R Frost, M Uijs, D Yapp 1 each.

Montferrand results so far: beat Neath (h) 55-17; lost to Beziers (a) 22-3; beat Connacht (h) 58-21.

Leading points scorer: Gerald Merceron 25.

Leading try scorer: A Rougerie 4.

Forecast: Montferrand to win.