Connacht's preparations for a return to the URC took a positive slant this week with the news that a host of players will make their return from injury. The news comes ahead of their away fixture against Cardiff this Saturday in the Cardiff Arms Park.
Pete Wilkins will be able to rely on the services of Paul Boyle, Sean O'Brien and Cathal Forde for the upcoming game. Sean Jansen also returned to training on Monday after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in the defeat to Lyon.
As well as that, Shane Jennings, John Porch, Colm Reilly and Diarmuid Kilgallen will look to return for the match against Scarlets in early March.
Connacht currently sit in ninth place in the URC table, with a record of five wins and four losses in the competition. Their form has been erratic thus far in the URC, as a good start to the season quickly reverted to a pattern of unpredictability. They will however take confidence from the fact that their last outing yielded a 22-9 home win against inter-provincial rivals Munster.
This juncture will prove vital to Connacht's chances of success as the season progresses. With upcoming fixtures against Cardiff, Scarlets and the Lions, the westerners will look to utilise a strengthened squad against teams below them in the league. Wins in these games are a must for Connacht if they are to prove a valid contender for the title nearing the business end of the season.
Their opposition this weekend sit in 11th place in the URC, with a record of three wins, one draw and five losses. Cardiff will be without the services of a host of internationals however, with seven players having featured in Wales' loss to England in the Six Nations. Most notable will be the absences of Tomos Williams and Alex Mann who have played well for their country so far in the tournament.
Connacht will also be without Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham, but a win at the weekend should be set firmly in the sights of Pete Wilkin's side. Proven quality will be provided by the players who have come back from injury, and the Connacht pack will need to display a physical edge from the outset to topple Cardiff.
Kick-off at the Cardiff Arms Park is at 5:15 on Saturday, February 17.
