Zebre v Connacht: All You Need To Know

01 April 2019

Zebre v Connacht: All You Need To Know
After a disappointing Challenge Cup exit over the weekend, all eyes are now firmly set on a pivotal final three fixtures in the Guinness PRO14 as Connacht aim to book a place in the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

First up is Zebre this weekend in Parma, with Andy Friend's side making the trip to Italy knowing a win would send them one step closer to the knockout stages.

Here's everything you need to know about the clash.

When’s the game?

Kick-off at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi is at 5.30pm Irish time / 6.30pm Italian time this Saturday 6th April.

How’s our recent record against them?

The two sides last met in Round 2 of this year's Championship when Connacht secured a bonus point 32-13 win at The Sportsground. Man-of-the-match Paul Boyle scored two tries while Caolin Blade, Eoin Griffin and Niyi Adeolokun also got in on the act.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P9Of6SZb18
However Connacht have lost their last two trips to Parma in the past two seasons, so the squad will be hoping it's third time lucky this time around.

What's the state of play in the race for the playoffs?


Only a score difference of six points separates Connacht and Cardiff Blues in the race for the 3rd playoff spot in Conference A, with both sides sitting on 52 points. With the two teams meeting in Galway on Saturday week, Connacht know three wins from the final three games will guarantee a place in the quarter-finals. A playoff spot could also be sealed next week if Cardiff were to lose away to Munster this weekend and Connacht pick up wins in the next two weekends.

How will the two teams line up?

The Connacht management team will announce their squad at 12pm on Friday when it will be named on connachtrugby.ie and the Connacht Rugby social channels.

How can I watch it?

There will be live TV coverage of the game on Eir Sport 1 with build-up beginning at 5pm. There will also be highlights on TG4 from 9.55pm.

Where can I buy tickets?

If you plan on heading over, please note that tickets are on sale directly from Zebre Rugby and can be bought HERE.