Connacht's O'Halloran still hopeful

Tiernan O'Halloran says Connacht's European Champions Cup "will go to the wire" following Saturday's 66-21 victory over Zebre.

Pat Lam's side ran in ten tries for the bonus-point victory that keeps alive the Pro 12 champions' hopes of reaching the last eight of the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Connacht full-back O'Halloran, Kieran Marmion and Matt Healy scored two tries apiece with John Cooney, Finlay Bealham, Craig Ronaldson and Caolan Blade also going over.

The victory moves Connacht five points clear at the top of Pool 2, with Wasps hosting Toulouse later on Saturday afternoon.

An away victory over the Top 12 side in Toulouse next Sunday will guarantee Pat Lam's side a quarter-final spot.

"To get five points here puts us in a pretty good position, but we are under no illusions with Wasps playing today, and our game over in Toulouse next week," O'Halloran told Sky Sports.

"It will go to the wire, though we are really looking forward to it."

O'Halloran says Europe is proving a welcome distraction from league competition for Connacht, who lie eighth in the Pro 12 standings, 28 points behind leaders Ospreys.

"This is the first time in about six or seven weeks that we have had the same squad training together, which has given us massive confidence coming into this week," he continued.

"We saw the opportunity that was here, as going back to European competition has given us a breath of fresh air, with things not going well in the league.

"Pat has given us the freedom, like he has the last couple of seasons, just to have a go, counter-attack from anywhere, even on your own line."

Photo: Inpho/James Crombie

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