Connacht were making national headlines at the weekend after this first match back from the big freeze turned out to be a triumphant success. Montpellier were dispatched comfortable at a wet and miserable Sportsground on Friday night.

Caption: Fionn Carr in action on Friday night.  

Pic: Sporting Occasions

The 20-10 victory guarantees Connacht a place in the quarter finals and should they finish the job this weekend with a bonus point win away to the amateurs of Olympus Madrid, then a home quarter final in April will also be secured. 

There are lots of permutations but to keep it simple, if London Wasps fail to get a bonus point away to Racing Club France on Thursday then the target for Connacht will be five tries in Madrid to be top seed and set up a quarter final with either Toulon or Leeds.

The other scenario would be a match up with one of the three Heieneken Cup sides that will enter the competition. At the moment, Ulster, Cardiff and London Irish appear to be the likely trio. None of those are an enticing prospect.

Friday’s success wasn’t the highlight of their efforts in their pool. The away wins in Montpellier and especially Worcester where very much the catalyst for this success and the reward of a sell-out last eight showdown in Galway after the six nations is hugely valuable. It will be the biggest rugby game in the west for over five years.

 Sean Cronin - After Friday's victory : Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download