Connacht v Benetton: All You Need To Know

19 March 2019

Connacht v Benetton: All You Need To Know
After a short break while the Six Nations come to a conclusion, the big games are again on the horizon for Connacht as the league stage of the Guinness PRO14 reaches its conclusion over the coming month.
 
The squad are on a high after a huge 46-5 win over Ospreys last time out, so they'll be looking to pick up where they left off when Conference B high-flyers Benetton come to visit the West of Ireland this weekend.
 
Here's all you need to know about another huge fixture for the team.
 
When’s the game?
In a change from the norm this season the game is a Friday night kick-off, with the action getting underway at 7.35pm at The Sportsground.
 
What do I need to know about our opponents?
Benetton have arguably been one of the Guinness PRO14's most in-form sides. The Italian outfit sit in 2nd place in Conference A and are on an unbeaten run in the competition stretching back to the end of November. Among those fixtures were victories over both Scottish teams, a win at home to Scarlets and a draw in Kingspan Stadium against Ulster.
 
How’s our recent record against them?
Connacht have won the last 3 games when the two sides have met and 7 of the last 9 stretching back to the start of the 2013/14 season. Our last meeting took place in February 2018 when tries from Finlay Bealham, Jarrad Butler and Eoin Griffin gave a 22-19 win.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfpeVYscxHY
 
How will they line up?
Andy Friend has been been boosted by the return of a number of five players who featured in the Ireland squad during various rounds of the Guinness Six Nations. Internationals Ultan Dillane, Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty are in the matchday 23 while there are also starts for Caolin Blade and Jack Carty.
 

How important is the game in terms of the overall season?
In a word...very! With just 4 games remaining in the league campaign Connacht sit in the final playoff spot, with just points difference separating ourselves and the Cardiff Blues. Every point will be crucial in the race for Champions Cup qualification, especially with the Blues visiting the Sportsground on Saturday 13th April.
 
A win will bring us one step closer to a return to the playoffs, so the players will be looking for all the support they can get to help them on their way.
 
Where can I buy tickets?
A very small number of tickets remain available in the Main Stand where tickets are also on sale in the Grant Thornton Seated Stand and the Bohermore Terrace. The cheapest tickets can be bought online in advance HERE.