Brive still in the mix

They travel to Galway to face Connacht Rugby on Friday night three points adrift of Pool 3 leaders Newcastle but still in the hunt for a last eight place with the five Pool winners and three best runners-up going through to the knock-out stages.

"It's true that we were looking not only for quarter-final qualification but also to get the home draw in the quarters but Newcastle did what was necessary last week in Brive so we are now looking to try and secure quarter-final qualification in a tough away match to Connacht," said Brive captain Jerôme Bonvoisin.

"But getting out of this Pool will be a big achievement for us, so we still have everything to play for in Ireland.

"And we are capable of getting the win at Connacht. We have a much stronger away record this season, running Newcastle close and a massive win for us at Dax.

"It has been one of our objectives to improve our away performances, which historically have been our downfall, despite very strong home records.

"Although playing at home always has a particular importance attached to it, we are motivated and ready to try and get the crucial victories away from home as well. We have the means and the motivation to beat Connacht and we have to stay focussed on our preparation and put in a good performance.

"Having played against Connacht in Round 1, I know that they are going to be a tough side to beat. They are a well organised, rigorous and physical side.

"They have what we would call the English style of play - very physical, well organised defence and not easily disrupted. I think the weather conditions will be pretty much like ours against Newcastle - although perhaps not quite as wet!

"We played a good game against Newcastle but the devil is always in the detail. We were not able to penetrate their defence as much as we would have liked and they were able to break ours.

"They focussed on getting over the gain line and I think this, and our discipline, are going to be the focus of our preparation. In terms of contact and handling, I think we were where we ought to be against Newcastle and this is something we want to take forward into the game against Connacht.

"Regardless of whether a team is full of stars or players who are less well-known, the key is the team spirit and their ability to work together. We have a talented squad at Brive and everyone is working together. There is no reason why this team shouldn't make it to the final stages of this tournament."