We absolutely have to get something from this game even if it's a LBP. The teams around us have tough enough games, though it bears remembering that Treviso beat Munster at home the last time this fixture was held during an International window.

Our discipline has to be perfect and the guys were great last week in that regard so lets hope it continues, but it's always easier to stay disciplined when you're not under pressure, Cardiff will look to bring that in spades.

We absolutely should have won the first game of the season against Cardiff and this is a big opportunity to put that right. Injuries have knocked us about a little, though.

I've only seen him for the Eagles and that seemed like a step too far. 10 man rugby with 1 break from Fets and we'll win

Will be intrigued to see how Brian Murphy does in the centre. Has he started a game for us this season?

Connacht Rugby has announced their team to face Cardiff tomorrow in Round 16 of the RaboDirect PRO12 league.

Eric Elwood’s side travel to Arms Park for the Friday night fixture (kick off 7:30pm) and there are four changes to the team that beat Ospreys last week.

While Robbie Henshaw remains in Ireland camp, fit-again skipper Gavin Duffy, who earned his 150th Connacht cap last week, will start at full back tomorrow.

Fetu’u Vainikolo is named on the wing, replacing Tiernan O’Halloran who suffered a knee injury against Ospreys.

With centres Dave McSharry (groin) and Kyle Tonetti (shoulder) both unavailable, 27-year-old Brian Murphy will start at Inside Centre. Galway-born Murphy joined Connacht last summer from Ulster Bank All Ireland League club side Galwegians. He came through the Connacht age-grade system and has represented Ireland at Schools, Under-21 and A level.

Meanwhile, there is just one change up front with Andrew Browne replacing Mick Kearney in the second row.

Recent returnee from injury Denis Buckley is named on the bench as well as replacement back rower TJ Anderson.

Connacht XV

15. Gavin Duffy (captain)
14. Danie Poolman
13. Eoin Griffin
12. Brian Murphy
11. Fetu’u Vainikolo
10. Dan Parks
9. Kieran Marmion



1. Brett Wilkinson
2. Jason Harris-Wright
3. Nathan White
4. Michael Swift
5. Andrew Browne
6. John Muldoon
7. Willie Faloon
8. Eoin McKeon

Replacements: Ethienne Reynecke, Denis Buckley, Ronan Loughney, Mick Kearney, TJ Anderson, Paul O’Donohoe, Miah Nikora, Matthew Jarvis

Unavailable: Robbie Henshaw, Dave McSharry, Mike McCarthy, Frank Murphy, George Naoupu, Dave Nolan, Johnny O’Connor, Tiernan O’Halloran, and Kyle Tonetti

Cardiff Blues v Connacht Rugby

Friday 22nd February

Arms Park

Kick off 7:30pm

Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU, 32nd competition game)

Assistant Referees: Sean Brickell, Jason Langdon (both WRU)

Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)

This game is not televised but follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ConnachtRugby for live match updates.

IMO this game will decide the success of this season for Connacht. Even with their poor home record the Blues will not be a pushover, but with a win Connacht have a chance to improve on last year's win and point totals and in the process maybe finish 7th. With a loss it's hard to see them doing any of that and they could finish as low as 10th.

theCulk wrote: Is there many from here heading over?

I'll be over there alright. South Stand somewhere in the middle.

Anyone else going?

Is there many from here heading over?

you would expect to have 30 pts on the board come the end of the zebre game. anymore is a bonus and any less a disapointment. blues are a poor team this season and have a lot of injuries and international call ups. we have to at least stay within 7.

Griffin injured again! Man that guy has no luck. Will be interested to see who they put at 8. Can't see them risking George so looks like Muldoon with Browne at 6 and maybe Gannon making the bench.

Squad Update ahead of Cardiff clash

The Connacht squad trained today ahead of their Round 16 RaboDirect PRO 12 clash with Welsh side Cardiff Blues. There were a number of knocks picked up during last Friday’s physical 22-10 victory over defending champions Ospreys.

Props Nathan White and Rodney Ah You both left the field with injuries on Friday but the two front row players have recovered fully and were back to training today.

Centre Dave McSharry missed out on the game against Ospreys due to a groin injury and the 23-year-old remains in doubt for this week's clash.

Eoin Griffin, Andrew Browne and Johnny O’Connor did not train today but all three will continue to be monitored before the team selection later in the week.

Other injury concerns arising from the weekend include winger Tiernan O’Halloran and number 8 Eoin McKeon, as well as recent returnees Gavin Duffy and Kyle Tonetti.

Head Coach Eric Elwood will assess his options and name his side this Thursday at 1pm.

While George Naoupu returned to light training last week, the versatile forward is required to see a specialist for his neck next week and so will not be involved this Friday night.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Robbie Henshaw remains with the Ireland camp as they prepare for the RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland this weekend.

Mike McCarthy is unavailable due to a medial ligament strain he sustained whilst playing for Ireland.

Connacht travel to Wales to play Cardiff Blues at Arms Park on Friday 22nd February (kick off 7:45pm).

Cardiff Blues v Connacht Rugby
Friday 22nd February
Arms Park
Kick off 7:30pm

Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU, 32nd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Sean Brickell, Jason Langdon (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)