Conditions were horrendous. Would have to agree that the 2 bonus points dropped are disappointing but we have blooded a lot of new faces and ran the squad which will hopefully benefit us down the line.

In terms of qualifying Sale have the group won. We will finish 2nd more than likely but looking at the other pools we haven't huge room for error. We probably need 3 wins to advance.

The 3 games are winnable but we probably need to decide at this point how much we want to advance.

8th seeds would probably get us Clermont away. Nice trip but chances of winning are none.

Ulster and Munster are priority for me and the vital Cardiff away game comes after Bordeaux away.

The weather largely dictated the game today, still we've got to be disappointed not to get the 5 against a team that is really struggling. Had a few chances but the wet conditions really prevented us from being overly creative, also our lineout malfunctioned more than I'd have liked, they seemed to go okay there so can't just blame the wind and rain. Dave being just back might allow for some of it.

Looking at the pools doesn't make for great viewing, we're up against it now to make it out of the pool stage. If we win all our remaining games we should make it but there's no guarantees, as it stands we'd be 9th and thus out. I know there's a lot that would not mind that but I'd really love to get far in this competition, I think we finally (on paper at least) have the depth to manage that in the latter stages of the season.

Epcr are showing the game on their website for any who can't make it www.epcrugby.com/challenge-cup/latest-vi...ound-3-live-matches/

One of the French Supporters' Clubs is having a meal in the Green Room in Rabbitt's after the game, so there probably won't be any space in the usual area.
But apparently Rabbitt's are throwing a Christmas Party for us, and their new fancy beer garden is opening today.

Like the look of this team. Balance looks right between resting players but still getting a decent side out on the pitch.

This competition isn't priority but would be nice to make the quarters and keep our options open for later in the season. 5 points tomorrow would put us in a decent position at the midway point.

That's a very well-balance back row, and great to see the three senior Irish internationals back in the line up. We should win with this line up. Great to see Darragh Leader starting and a wonderful opportunity too for Joe Maksymiw and the rest of the kids chosen in the 23.

Fitz was excellent away to Sale.

Looking forward to seeing Conor Fitzgerald get more game time too.

www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-boosted-by...perpignan-challenge/

Good mix of experience and youth. Great opportunity for Joyce outside Bundee.

Of the 16 forwards named in Perpignan's squad, 5 started their last Top 14 game (it was at home so I'm assuming it's a good representation of their first team) including both locks and both props. A further 4 forwards were on the bench. Of the ten backs named, 3 started the Bordeaux game, including their 13 and captain, while another two were on the bench.

Eoghan Masterson apparently is close to fitness. Would also be good to see Joe Maksymiw and James Connolly get a run. Peter Robb would hope to get a run too? I'd have Robin Copeland as Captain.

Hope we win to maintain momentum but really don't care about Europe this year, tougher competition in it this year and going pretty well in the league so that's where I think our attention should be.

Hopefully see a few fringe players getting significant game time like Horowitz, Mitchell, DR McCoy, Connolly (is he injured?) and a few of the young lads.

Don't recognise any names on the Perpignan team sheet :whistle:

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Should be a cracking match. Really looking forward to getting back into European rugby. Have to think that the French sides will have their eyes on the domestic side of things. Will be interesting to see the squad selection for our lads!