Connacht face tough test after disruptive week

Celtic League/Cardiff Blues v Connacht: Declan Kidney noted recently, albeit with a wry smile, that Munster are currently out of the Heineken European Cup equation for next season. With so many internationals unavailable, Connacht have a genuine opportunity to increase their eight-point lead over their southern cousins in the Magners Celtic League.

It would make an interesting proposition for the IRFU if Connacht maintained their status to the season's end, although Munster can reduce the deficit next Saturday at home to the Ospreys.

Unfortunately, it has been a disruptive week for the western province as Michael Bradley was away coaching Ireland A. John Fogarty, Mark McHugh and Ray Hogan were also in camp, although the latter pair remained on the bench during Wednesday's 24-17 defeat to Australia A. Fogarty played 70 minutes. All three players are named as replacements alongside new signing Ryan Strudwick.

In all, there are five changes to the side that lost 39-34 to Glasgow two weeks ago. Adrian Flavin comes in at hooker, Brett Wilkinson at prop and Paul Warwick moves to outhalf with John Hearty and Keith Matthews making up a decent centre partnership. Brendan O'Connor is selected at blindside flanker with John Muldoon switching to number eight.

Cardiff are also in the last Welsh position, three points behind Connacht, so they will target this tie as a five-pointer. They may be shorn of half their first team but two former All Blacks, Ben Blair at fullback and Xavier Rush at eight, bring class to the proceedings.

However, with Tom Shanklin, Mike Phillips, Martyn Williams, Rob Sidoli, Rhys Thomas, Gethin Jenkins and Canadian Ed Fairhurst on international duty and Gary Powell suspended, Connacht must view this as the best time to tackle Dai Young's team.

Still Cardiff should have enough in reserve to scrap a victory.

CONNACHT: D Riordan; M Mostyn, J Hearty, K Matthews, D Yapp; P Warwick, C Keane; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, B Sturgess; D Gannon, A Farley (capt); B O'Connor, R Ofisa, J Muldoon. Replacements: J Fogarty, R Hogan, R Strudwick, C Rigney, C O'Loughlin, M McHugh, C McPhillips.

CARDIFF BLUES: B Blair; M Luveitasau, J Robinson, M Stcherbina, C Czekaj; N Robinson, W Evans; J Yapp, D Goodfield, S Roberts; D Jones, B Davies; S Morgan, R Shellard, X Rush (capt). Replacements: R Gill, G Williams, J Goode, M Lewis, G Williams-Davies, N Macleod, T James.

Verdict: Cardiff win.