I'm definitely a lot more confident of a good win than I was a week ago, hopefully we can see a return of Bundee in the 2nd half when the game is ours. weather conditions look ok as well for running rugby.

Uneasy about this game, should win it going away, but it will probably end up being closer than I'd like. Would almost prefer not to disturb the squad but clearly Kieran and Ultan especially need game time. Hope I'm wrong and Connacht cruise to a easy 5 pointer Saturday night.

Lightest and best squad update EVER!

www.connachtrugby.ie/squad-update-ahead-...-game-7#ConnachtNews

The problem with Niyi is he needs space and this year we'recommend not stretching defences enough time give him that space, you could suggest in general he has been poor but that turnover against wasps was outstanding and should not be forgotten

About 20 players released to their provinces yesterday, sounds positive

connachta wrote: Dillane has played 30 minutes of rugby in 2 months, so yeah good chance he'll be available indeed

Yes, Dillane needs games and they might risk sending Marmion back to us. How about Bealham? Toh might be in with a chance of making the squad. Sure he probably faced 3-4 of the french backs when he played Toulouse.
Now Niyi. Stop losing the ball and try passing a bit. He really hasnt improved anything in the last year which is disappointing. Moves tend to die with him at the end. He is too careless in protecting the ball and doesnt even think about passing the ball. I know the ball isnt great going to him but it shouldnt be squandered.

Dillane has played 30 minutes of rugby in 2 months, so yeah good chance he'll be available indeed

It would great if marion or Dillane was released to us for the weekend

No comebacks expected as soon as this W-E (don't rush and risk Aki), no new injuries apparently (really? we're talking about Connacht )
So I guess unchanged team
Except I hope TOH won't play because it would mean Joe makes him start with Ireland the week after

In this case I'd have

15 Healy
14 Niyi
13 Farrell
12 Ronaldson
11 Ili

PRO12 Preview: Connacht v Dragons
14th February 2017

Did you know?

Connacht Rugby victory in Cardiff on Sunday ended a three game losing run in the Guinness PRO12, whilst the Irishmen’s only home loss in their last eight matches in all tournaments was to Munster in the PRO12 on New Year’s Eve.
Newport Gwent Dragons have won only one of their last five Guinness PRO12 fixtures: 26-8 at home to Treviso in round 13.
Dragons have not won away from home in the PRO12 since a visit to Treviso in March 2015.
Dragons beat Connacht in round 8 in Newport and have only once before achieved a PRO12 season’s double over the Irishmen, in the inaugural home and away season of 2003/04 – the only previous time Dragons have won in Galway.
Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record:

Played 27, Connacht won 17, Dragons won 10.

CONNACHT RUGBY v NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS
At the Sportsground, 7.35pm.
Live on TG4 / S4C

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU, 146th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Adam Jones (WRU), Shane Kierans (IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Eugene Ryan (IRFU)
TMO: Charles Samson (SRU)