The ref if that lovely Scotchman who had the Ospreys game at the Sportsground last year and the Cardiff away fixture. Looking back over the match reports, this may be a cause for concern.

Here's the RaboDirect take on game.

More graphics but less detail that CC's opening post

Here

Can't wait for the season to begin. I suppose we won't see anything resembling a lineup until Linley McKenzie puts it the Advertiser/Times on Thursday. Given the injury list, I'd imagine the backs will be Something Completely Different.

Any word on the Parks injury? I've just spotted him at 14/1 on Paddypower for top Pro12 points scorer if anyone's feeling confident.

Seems a load of tickets were sold during the Power Hour last Friday. Thats a good sign. Hopefully the place will be rocking.
Gotta get up there nice and early, to pick out my spot in the Clan. 10m line, College Road end. Oh, how I've missed you.
Must squeeze in a pint or two in O'Connells first though

Rugby is back, Hurray.

I'll try to do one of these for every game this season (which means I'll forget in about 3 weeks)

<strong>Details</strong>

Connacht vs Cardiff
The Sportsground, Sept 1st 17:00 KO

Current League Positions:
3rd Place Connacht Rugby
2nd Place Cardiff Blues

Previous Meetings in Galway
Oct 29 2011 Connacht 20 - 26 Cardiff
Apr 15 2011 Connacht 12 - 26 Cardiff
Sept 18 2009 Connacht 18 - 16 Cardiff
Mar 6th 2009 Connacht 14 - 19 Cardiff
May 2nd 2008 Connacht 11 - 39

Changes in Personal
<strong>Connacht:</strong>
Players In:
Dan Parks from Cardiff Blues
Nathan White from Leinster
Willie Faloon from Ulster
Jason Harris-Wright from Bristol
Brian Murphy from Galwegians
Danie Poolman from Stormers
Matt Healy from Lansdowne
Mata Fafita from Sligo FC
JP Cooney from Garryowen

Players Out:
Ray Ofisa
Henry Fa'afili
Dermot Murphy
Dylan Rogers
Jamie Stephens
Brian Tuohy
Niall O'Connor

<strong>Cardiff</strong>

Players In:
Benoît Bourrust from Perpignan
Robin Copeland from Rotherham
Andy Kyriacou from Ulster
Rob Lewis from London Welsh
Campese Ma'afu from West Harbour Pirates
Jason Tovey from Newport Gwent Dragons
Lou Reed from Scarlets

Players Out:
Ben Blair
Rhys Downes
Gethin Jenkins
Casey Laulala
T. Rhys Thomas
Ryan Tyrrell
Dan Parks
Richie Rees
John Yapp
Deiniol Jones
Maama Molitika
Paul Tito
Martyn Williams
Xavier Rush

RaboDirect Pro 12 Preview
www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/14454.php

SportsNews Ireland preview
www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby_irish/co...od-bullish986986986/

Irish Independent news regarding injuries
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/elwood-sw...fitness-3213339.html

I'll add previews during the week

Connacht Team:
Connacht XV

15. Gavin Duffy (Captain)
14. Tiernan O’Halloran
13. Eoin Griffin
12. Mata Fifita
11. Fetu’u Vainikolo
10. Miah Nikora
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Ethienne Reynecke
3. Ronan Loughney
4. Michael Swift
5. Mike McCarthy
6. John Muldoon
7. Johnny O’Connor
8. George Naoupu

Replacements (from):

16. Adrian Flavin
17. Rodney Ah You
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Dave Gannon
20. Willie Faloon
21. David Moore
22. Matthew Jarvis
23. Robbie Henshaw

Cardiff Team:

15. Dan Fish 14. Harry Robinson 13.Gavin Evans 12. Gareth Davies 11. Tom James 10. Ceri Sweeney 9. Lewis Jones

8. Andries Pretorius (c) 7. Josh Navidi 6. Rory Watts- Jones 5. James Down 4. Robin Copeland 3. Taufa'ao Filise 2. Andi Kyriacou 1. Thomas Davies


16. Rhys Williams 17. Beniot Borrust 18. Nathan Trevett 19. Lou Reed 20. Luke Hamilton 21. Lloyd Williams 22. Cory Allen 23. Tom Williams 24. Owen Williams