Robbie Henshaw ( picture http://bit.ly/1oJDziE )
The only Irish province in action this weekend will be Connacht, after a pretty dreary Champions Cup campaign from the rest. And last week’s defeat will have been just the thing to spur Connacht into action, they were right in it away to Ulster all the way through, and it gave valuable gametime to infrequently used flyhalf Shane O’Leary. Grenoble ( 8th in the T14) got a valuable away win against second from bottom Oyannax last weekend. They’ve made 9 changes to their side since then, and have the typical league of all nations look of the French sides – even some French players!
Bernard Jackman has done wonders with the Grenoble, bringing them up from the PRO D2, keeping them up for a number of seasons, and looking to challenge for a top 6 finish this year. He’s also managed that without anywhere near the financial resources the other big French clubs can muster. Jackman got his break in Connacht, before he eventually moved back to Leinster, and he has nothing but admiration for the job Pat Lam has been doing in the west.
Connacht present an interesting challenge for Grenoble, in that they play both a structured game, and a more expansive game, whereas Grenoble are normally geared to resist an onslaught form much bigger sides. One of the most interesting match ups will be the clash of Robbie Henshaw and Chris Farell for Grenoble – the pair used to play together in the Irish under 18’s.
I think it’s going to be a really close match, but Grenoble have got the edge with home advantage, and that will be telling I think
Grenoble v Connacht 8:05 PM Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
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