The European Shield may be the poorer relation of the ERC flagship competition, but for all that it's scarcely any easier. The imposing back-to-back pool meetings with a star-studded Montferrand await Connacht for later dates, but Beziers, last season's French Division Two champions, are another ambitious lot in their own right with a fair sprinkling of heavy hitters.

Though their midfield has been stiffened over the summer by the arrival of the ultra competitive Richard Dourthe, judging by insider information from ex-Stade Francais prop and Castres captain Jeremy Davidson, Beziers have a big strong pack without being your archetypal flashy French side. Their recruitment drive has focused more up front, where a Scottish loose-head, Neil McIlroy, and a nine-times capped ex-Wallaby Andrew Heath pack down either side of a Georgian hooker Goderdzi Shvelidze, with a South African prop Leonard Liebenberg in reserve.

Lock Stephen Hall is a South African and the back row features French international flanker Richard Castel, an Australian number eight Anthony Hill and an Argentinian openside Frederico Meartinez. Left-winger Mickael Noel is reputed to be a flyer and the main threat out wide while the ex-Colomiers full-back Laurent Labit is a prolific points scorer at this level.

Then again, of course, Connacht have Eric Elwood, the second highest scorer in this competition's history and so often a matchwinner, especially if visiting French sides lose their heads in any way - as is their wont. Elwood and Connacht hit form with good timing last week and though Shane Stephens' potency at midfield will be missed, they should certainly be very competitive for the type of game they've tended to edge in recent times - having won four of their six home games against French opposition.

Connacht: W Munn; P Duignan, M Smyth, T Allnutt, N Carolan; E Elwood, B Shelbourne; D McFarland, M Uijs, J Screene, R Frost, D Browne, J Charlie, C Rigney, J O'Connor. Replacements: M Cahill, J McVeigh, G Schoeman, M Swift, D Yapp, R Lee, J Ferris.

Beziers: L Labit; P Escalles (capt), R Dourthe, J Aue, M Noel; J Dubois, L Balue; N McIlroy, G Shvelidze, A Heath, S Hall, T Privet, R Castel, A Hill, F Martinez. Replacements: B Miguel, L Liebenberg, T Lafforgue, C Vilaplana, J Viard, F Sans, G Belzons.

Referee: J Hogg (Scotland).

Shield record: Connacht - P 24, W 12, D 0, L 12; for 525, against 589; Beziers - have never participated.

Leading points scorers: Connacht - Eric Elwood 210.

Results this season: Connacht - L L L L W; Beziers - L W L.

Forecast: Connacht to win.