Please find below, with an introduction, a comprehensive match pack preview of Sunday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup game between Connacht Rugby and Exeter Chiefs including in-depth statistical information.
Pool 2: Connacht Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Sunday, 18 January
Kick-off: 15:15, The Sportsground
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (Fra)
Assistant Referee 1: Laurent Cardona (Fra)
Assistant Referee 2: Cedric Clave (Fra)
TMO: Eric Gonthier (Fra)
Citing Commissioner: Ray Wilton (Wal)
TV: Sky Sports
Match facts
Connacht have won 10 of their last 12 home games in the Challenge Cup. Their most recent home defeat was by Harlequins (9-15) in 2010.
This will be Exeter’s first trip to Ireland in the Challenge Cup. The Chiefs have lost two of their last three away games in the tournament.
Exeter are one of three clubs yet to concede a try in the first 20 minutes of a Challenge Cup game this season.
The Chiefs back row, Ben White, made the joint-most tackles (18) in Round 4.
Connacht can boast the second best defence in the final 20 minutes of games this season – they have conceded just seven points in total in the last quarter.
Connacht and Ireland centre, Robbie Henshaw, has beaten nine defenders in the Challenge Cup this season, eight of which came in the meeting between the sides in Round 2 which was won 33-13 by Exeter.
Connacht have conceded 45 turnovers to date – the lowest total in the tournament.
Exeter’s Ryan Cauldwell has claimed 21 lineouts this season (incl. steals) putting him second on the stats list behind Jean-Francois Montauriol of Rovigo with 23.
Despite scoring 17 and 15 tries respectively, Exeter and Connacht are both yet to score a try after more than six phases of possession.
Exeter’s Fetu’u Vainikolo beat nine defenders in Round 4.