However, they got a huge slice of luck the following day when Brive, needing a win to advance, lost only their second European home game in a decade to a Newcastle side who were already through to the quarter-finals. Connacht will hope that Newcastle's unwitting favour will come back to haunt the English side as Michael Bradley's men bid to set up a lucrative home semi-final draw.

"We needed a late try to defeat Worcester, while the defeat in Catania was unacceptable. But the bottom line is that we got through, " said Connacht coach Bradley.

"All of the attention has been focused on this match against Newcastle. We have not got a break all season in the Celtic League but we haven't allowed that to have an impact on us. You must keep looking ahead all the time."

Connacht will go into next Friday's clash at Kingston Park in Newcastle as outsiders. The Falcons have been superb in Europe this season, and Rob Andrews' men have won nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

But there is a glimmer of hope for Connacht. Bradley's injury list is shorter now than at any other time this season and the return of the versatile Mark McHugh, the availability of Tongan centre Andrew Mailei, and the emergence of lock David Gannon will give them most cause for hope.

"They are favourites and the pressure is on them to deliver. It is up to us to produce our best display and hope that is enough for us to advance. We've prepared well and we're looking forward to it."