Renowned European battlers Connacht came up with the only away victory in the first three legs of the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals as they rocked dean Richards' Grenoble side with a 26-21 victory.
While Irish eyes were smiling after yet another hard earned victory in France, Sale Sharks were gloating over their 34-18 home win over Agen and Pau were pretty pleased with themselves for coming from behind to pip Clermont Auvergne by four points in a see-saw match that the home team eventually won 25-21.
Next weekend's return legs will determine if Sale and Connacht can remain on course for a semi-final showdown, while Saracens and Brive meet at Vicarage Road on Sunday to complete the first leg matches.
Pau will be hoping to hang on to their slender advantage to pick up a last four meeting with either the Sarries or the 1997 Heineken Cup winners, Brive, as the action in the Challenge Cup starts to heat up.
