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After a win in France Connacht advanced to the last eight of the EPCR Challenge Cup where they take on Benetton Rugby at Stadio Comunale di Monigo this Sunday, k/o 12.30 Irish time.
Trips to France are never easy and the game against Pau provided Pete Wilkins side with plenty of challenges but one they managed to overcome beating the home side 40-30.
The team travelled to France last Friday and arrived back in Galway on Monday evening. With a quick turnaround and a big URC game ahead next week in Galway, Connacht have changed their usual way of travelling.
"This week we are going on a charter flight which is unsual for us" said Pete Wilkins.
"There are other teams that would do it frequently but the expenses is really significant in that"
"We looked at a few options not only into Treviso but out as well becasue our game against Zebre is incredibly important in terms of the success of our season"
"For the travel side of things we needed to take this Benetton game with the Zebre game in our preparation planning"
"We will be able to sell some tickets to supporters which are already flying out the door in terms of that opportunity as well"
"We will travel out Saturday morning, do our Captains Run over there and there won't be any major waiting around in the airport"
"Last time we came to play Benetton we flew to Milan which is two and half hours on the bus from there to Treviso"
"On Sunday then after the game we can fly back here and recover Monday and then go after the Zebre week"
Just under two weeks ago Connacht faced Benetton in the URC with the Italian side socring late to clinch the win. Pete was asked if revenge will be on the minds this weekend.
"We won't use the revenge word this week"
"They have a really good kicking game"
"Its the discipline and energetic chase, the physicality on the back end of it. That whole aspect to their game where they pin you in your half and to generate turnover ball from that is a huge threat"
"We've got to make sure we deal with that and alos return fire on our terms"
"As a group we are really looking forward to this one and I think the fans are as well"
