Connacht head coach Pat Lam hopes freshening up his team for the trip to Cardiff Blues will keep them in the driving seat for a top-six finish. Mils Muliaina is fit again after hamstring trouble and starts at full-back, while Mick Kearney is named in the second row and George Naoupu gets the nod at No.8. The changes mean a switch for Tiernan O’Halloran to the right wing, while Darragh Leader is back among the replacements, alongside Andrew Browne. Connacht head to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park chasing their third GUINNESS PRO12 victory in a row, but having been second best in nine of their last ten encounters with the Blues, Lam has left no stone unturned when preparing this week. “Like every game from now until the end of the season, four points against Cardiff is massively important in the context of our ultimate goal,” he said. “Challenges we face this week, such as a short five-day turnaround, long travel, and 4G pitch were all identified early on and we tailored our preparation accordingly. “We know how dangerous Cardiff can be, especially at home. They had a fantastic win against Edinburgh last weekend, playing more of an expansive game and stretching the defence to score some quality tries. “Once again, we will need to perform as a team to secure the desired outcome that will leave us in a strong position before the break.” Cardiff are boosted by the return of influential duo Gareth Anscombe and Alex Cuthbert from international duty, with six changes made from the side that beat Edinburgh last weekend. Dale McIntosh and Paul John, taking the reins following the departure of head coach Mark Hammett, have named Josh Navidi at No.8, Joaquin Tuculet is selected on the wing and Taufa’ao Filise comes into the front row, in the absence of the injured Adam Jones, alongside Kristian Dacey. Ellis Jenkins captains the Blues as they seek a first victory over an Irish province this season, but attack coach John believes October’s 24-24 draw between the teams is grounds for optimism. “There was nothing between the teams when we met at the Sportsground in Galway in October and I’m sure this will be a very tight encounter as we look to claim another important win at home,” he said. “Connacht have enjoyed a fine season in the league and are pushing hard for a top-six finish. Pat Lam and his coaching team have got them playing some fantastic rugby. “We were pleased to defeat Edinburgh last Sunday and it was important for everyone connected with the region for us to get a win on the board. “It’s been a quick turnaround this week but we are lifted by the return of some of our Wales internationals and I know the likes of Gareth Anscombe and Alex Cuthbert will be keen to impress and get some rugby under their belts.” At BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, 7.35pm. Live on BBC Wales and TG4 Referee: Lloyd Linton (SRU, 7th competition game) Assistant Referees: Leighton Hodges, Craig Evans (both WRU) Citing Commissioner: Aurwel Morgan (WRU) TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU) Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12
