Connacht’s defence of their Guinness PRO12 title may not be going to plan, but their impressive home form makes this a daunting trip for bottom side Benetton Treviso. The Irish outfit lost their first two games at the Sportsground this season but they have won their last four, including last week’s 18-7 victory against Cardiff Blues. Benetton Treviso suffered a disappointing 46-3 defeat to Munster last week, so will be hoping to leave Ireland with an improved display this time around. What’s at stake? Connacht’s away form is costing them badly this season, with just one win so far this season, and they currently sit eighth in the Guinness PRO12 table – seven points off the top half. Coach Pat Lam will want his men to show real attacking intent in front of the home crowd in order to boost their confidence, with Connacht scoring the third fewest points in the division – ahead of only Zebre and Benetton Treviso. Fly-half Marnitz Boshoff could make the difference for the home side at fly-half against the league’s worst defence. Benetton Treviso sit just a point behind Italian rivals Zebre at the bottom of the table, although the latter have two games in hand. Team News (Connacht) South African Boshoff came off the bench for his first Connacht appearance in last week’s 18-7 victory against Cardiff Blues, and impressed Lam sufficiently to break into the team this week. Lam has made four changes to his side, with Matt Healy starting on the left wing and Tiernan O’Halloran in at full-back. Craig Robertson is out of the clash through injury, allowing Stacey Ili to partner Bundee Aki at centre, while there are also a start for blindside flanker Nepia Fox-Mataumua. Team News (Benetton Treviso) Treviso coach Kieron Crowley will be relying on his powerful forwards to win the set-piece battle, meaning front-row trio Alberto Sgarbi, Davide Giazzon and Simone Ferrari have a big job on their hands. The back-row of Abraham Steyn, Roberto Santamaria and Marco Barbini will be kept busy throughout, and they will have to keep an eye on in-form Connacht scrum-half John Cooney – who made the difference against Cardiff last week with a try, two penalties and a conversion. Talking points: Pat Lam is in a positive mood ahead of the match and is desperate for his side to build on last week’s win and gain some momentum before Christmas. “After an important result last week, it’s great to be back at home for another crucial game in the Guinness PRO12,” he said. “We know we are expected to win this game against Treviso tomorrow but we can only do that on the back of solid preparation. “It’s been a good week together as a squad and we’re excited to get out there to fight for more vital points before attention turns to Champions Cup rugby.” All eyes will be on fly-half Boshoff, who will look to exploit any holes in Benetton Treviso’s backline and ensure his kicking his accurate. Key battle (Denis Buckley v Simone Ferrari) Benetton Treviso will look to dominate the set-piece, making the battle between Connacht loosehead prop Denis Buckley and away side tighthead Simone Ferrari crucial to the result as they go head to head. Did you know? Benetton Treviso have not won away from home in the Guinness PRO12 since they beat Zebre in Parma in December 2014. Connacht: O’Halloran, Kelleher, Aki, Ili, Healy, Boshoff, Cooney, Buckley, McCartney, Carey, Roux, Cannon, Fox-Matamua, Heenan, Muldoon. Replacements: Heffernan, Cooney, Robertson-McCoy, O’Brien, McKeon, Blade, Carty, Parata. Top Points Scorers: J Carty 45 Top Try Scorer: N Adeolokun 4. Benetton Treviso: Odiete, Esposito, Tagicakibau, Sgarbi , Sperandio, McKinley, Tebaldi, De Marchi, Giazzon, Ferrari, Lazzaroni, Fuser, Steyn, Santamaria, Barbini Replacements: Bigi, Zani, Zanusso, Quaglio, Flammini, Gori, Allan, Pratichetti. Top Points Scorer: Tommaso Allan 26 Top Try Scorer: 2 – Dean Budd, Tommaso Benvenuti, Marco Fuser Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record: Played 12, Connacht won 7, Benetton Treviso won 4, 1 draw Referee: Ian Davies (WRU) Assistant Referees: Gareth Newman (WRU), John Carvill (IRFU) Guinness PRO12 Final 2017 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 adults and €5 child, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie. For further information visit http://www.pro12rugby.com/final
