Connacht face Cardiff in a pivotal Challenge Cup match, with a top-two seeding and potential home semi-final on the line. The match holds significant implications for both teams' European ambitions.
Connacht face a crucial Challenge Cup clash against Cardiff at the Arms Park on Friday night, with a top-two seeding in the knockout stages at stake. A win would guarantee Connacht a home semi-final if they progress to the final four, adding to the already high stakes of the match. Connacht have already secured a top group seeding after three bonus-point victories, including wins against Parma and Lyon.
They are currently guaranteed a home Round of 16 tie, and a quarter-final berth at home is also possible. However, victory against Cardiff would elevate them to a top-two seed, potentially culminating in a home semi-final and a chance to reach their first Challenge Cup final back in Cardiff on May 23rd. The match carries significant weight for Connacht, as demonstrated by their coach Pete Wilkins' selection. Wilkins has made only four changes from the team that defeated Lyon 52-24 last Saturday, with Josh Murphy, Conor Oliver, and Paul Boyle returning to the pack along with Byron Ralston in the backline. The influential frontrow of Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, and Finlay Bealham, as well as the halfback pairing of Ben Murphy and Josh Ioane, maintain their starting positions. The midfield synergy of Bundee Aki and Piers O’Conor remains intact, and captain Cian Prendergast, lock Joe Joyce, and Argentina fullback Santiago Cordero all retain their starting roles. Connacht will face a tough challenge from Cardiff, who are currently third in the URC despite being hampered by injuries. Coach Matt Sherratt has made five changes to his squad, including the inclusion of Wales internationals Ellis Bevan and Ben Thomas at halfback. The match promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams vying for a favorable position in the Challenge Cup knockout stages.
CHALLENGE CUP CONNACHT CARDIFF TOP SEEDING KNOCKOUT STAGES EUROPEAN RUGBY
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