Yapp makes his century

Connacht v Opsreys, Sportsground (6.30): Darren Yapp will be hoping his team-mates can help him to really celebrate his 100th cap for Connacht - he is the third player to reach this milestone - by completing a grand slam of victories at the Galway venue.

The 31-year-old, in his sixth season with Connacht, recently agreed a two-year extension to his contract and deserves the acclamation of the supporters, following as he does in the footprints of local legend Eric Elwood and Dan McFarland.

Yapp admitted: "It is a great honour. I have really enjoyed my time here. We have had some great seasons, with the highlight coming two years ago," a reference to the province reaching the European Challenge Cup final for the first time, a two-legged affair they lost by a single score.

The Bristol-born player lines out on the wing tonight in a three-quarter line that should benefit from the return of Chris Keane at scrumhalf.

Christian Short is still out injured so David Gannon continues his partnership with Andrew Farley in the second row.

Connacht have lost their last two matches against the Opsreys, having won the first three games between the sides. The Welsh side arrive in form, albeit that they have won only one of their last seven away matches.

Ospreys coach Lyn Jones admitted: "This is a vital stage of the season and we need to win our remaining two games if we are to be sure of Heineken Cup qualification next season. Galway is a difficult place to secure a win, and Connacht have defeated the other three Welsh regions at home this season."

It should be an entertaining encounter and while Connacht have little more than pride to play for, that inspiration could be enough to see them squeak home.

CONNACHT: D Slemen; M Mostyn, J Hearty, G Williams, D Yapp; M McHugh, C Keane; R Hogan, J Fogarty, S Knoop; D Gannon, A Farley (capt); J Muldoon, M Lacey, C Rigney. Replacements: J Merrigan, A Clarke, D McGowan, M Swift, T Tierney, P Warwick, C McPhillips.

OSPREYS: S Terblanche; J Vaughton, S Parker, G Henson, S Williams; S Connor, J Spice; D Jones (capt), H Bennett, A Jones; A Wyn Jones, I Evans; J Bater, J Thomas, A Lloyd. Replacements: B Williams, P James, L Bateman, R Pugh, M Roberts, J Hook, A Bishop.

Referee: Peter Allan (Scotland).

Leading points scorers: Connacht - Paul Warwick 93; Ospreys - Gavin Henson 94.

Leading try scorers: Connacht - Conor McPhillips 4; Ospreys - Andrew Bishop 3.

Verdict: Connacht to win.