News article – Style E 4438

“We’ve learnt from our semi-final experiences last year. We want to go one better this time.” That’s the view of Connacht coach Michael Bradley ahead of their Challenge Cup clash with Sale.

Twelve months ago, the westerners were downed by eventual champions NEC Harlequins in the semis – despite edging the first leg in Galway, 23-18.

And Bradley – who earned his fortieth and final Ireland cap ten years ago – knows his side must muster a bigger home lead against Philippe Saint-Andre’s men on Saturday to stand a chance of progressing.

“Just like Harlequins last season, Sale will be bringing a lot of talented, big-name players to Galway and they will be faced by a capacity crowd in what will certainly be another massive day for Connacht,” said the former international scrum-half.

“We will just do our normal job in the lead-up to the weekend – study the opposition, pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses and then go out and give it everything.

Come Saturday we will certainly be looking for a great performance from the team and being at home in the first match does mean a victory is important.”

Connacht have made two changes to their line-up with John O’Sullivan returning from injury to replace Paul Neville and Galwegians prop Peter Bracken in for Stephen Knoop at tighthead.

While the Sharks will more-than-likely be without talismanic full-back Jason Robinson – who suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb in England’s 19-13 Six Nations loss to Ireland last month – Bradley does rate the numerous internationals Sale boast.

“Sale are favourites for the title and are a very good side with a lot of confident players in their squad.

“Their recent form without their top players has not been quite so productive but with players such as Mark Cueto, Charlie Hodgson, Andy Titterrell, Chris Jones, Jason White, Sebastien Bruno and Sebastien Chabal – who all played in the Six Nations – back on club duty it makes them a very powerful side indeed.”