Bradley's men to raise game

MAGNERS LEAGUE CONNACHT v CARDIFF BLUES:THE PAINFUL memory of a 58-0 thumping in Cardiff earlier in the season will be a galvanising influence for a Connacht side determined to offer a better representation of their ability. They will be facilitated in this quest by the absence of the majority of Cardiff's first-choice personnel due to international commitments.

This fact alone doesn’t guarantee a home success as the visitors have players of the calibre of New Zealanders Ben Blair, Jason Spice and Xavier Rush in their line-up, along with the Robinson brothers, Jamie and Nicky, and the ball carrying physicality of Ma’ama Molitika.

Cardiff coach Dai Young is well aware Connacht represent a different prospect in Galway and that they are not similarly encumbered by international distractions. The Irish province knows they simply must win this game having been cast adrift at the foot of the table. The fact that they are playing the team just above them is further incentive.

Connacht coach Michael Bradley is without the injured quintet of Adrian Flavin (leg), Brian McGovern (ankle), Colm Rigney (knee), Niva Ta’auso (hamstring) and Aidan Wynne (jaw).

He makes two changes to the team beaten by the Ospreys with Troy Nathan starting at fullback and Gavin Duffy switching to inside centre. David Gannon replaces Rigney in the backrow.

Johnny O’Connor, a try scorer in an A interprovincial last week, is named among the replacements.

While a victory is the primary goal, Connacht need to start producing more consistent performances and in this respect it would be nice to see young talent like Fionn Carr, Ian Keatley, Seán Cronin and Andrew Browne take more responsibility to influence matches.

There is enough talent in the Connacht backline to play an expansive game, enough ball winning and ball carrying prowess up front to provide a platform.

This match offers an opportunity for several fringe players with Cardiff to show Young that they should be considered for upcoming Heineken Cup and EDF matches.

Connacht really do need to step up tonight and show that they are capable of more than the occasional victory; it’s a requirement for short-term confidence and long-term development.

CONNACHT:T Nathan; L Bibo, G Duffy, K Matthews, F Carr; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, R Morris; A Browne, A Farley; D Gannon, R Ofisa, J Muldoon (capt). Replacements: C Muldoon, R Loughney, M Swift, J O'Connor, C O'Loughlin, A Dunne, M Deane.

CARDIFF BLUES:B Blair; R Mustoe, J Robinson, C Sweeney, T James; N Robinson, J Spice; R Gill, T Rhys Thomas, G Powell; D Jones, S Morgan, M Molitika, R Sowden-Taylor, X Rush. Replacements: T Filise, G Williams, J Down, B White, R Rees, D Flannigan, C Czekaj.

Referee:Graham Knox (Scotland).

Last meeting:At Arms Park – Cardiff 58 Connacht 0.

Verdict:Connacht to win.

Venue:Sportsground Kick-off: 6.30pm TV: Setanta Sports Ireland