Classic case of the Blues for Connacht in Cardiff tonight

MUNSTER’S INCOMING centre Casey Laulala lines up against Connacht tonight as the Blues make a rare switch back to the spiritual home of Welsh rugby, the Arms Park.

They look to possess enough strength in depth to deal with Eric Elwood’s men as Martyn Williams returns to a backrow that also includes Xavier Rush and Maama Molitika.

Tough as old boots, the three of them.

Connacht broke a disastrous losing streak at home to Harlequins in round six of the Heineken Cup two weeks ago but have not won in the Pro 12 since beating the Dragons on September 23rd.

Despite the welcome break in games, Elwood’s selection continues to be hampered by injuries with Andrew Browne (achilles), Eoin Griffin (hamstring), Johnny O’Connor (facial fracture), Rodney Ah You (foot) and Frank Murphy (groin) unavailable.

It means the only change to the starting XV from the ’Quins match sees Dave McSharry preferred to Henry Fa’afili at inside centre.

This should be the best time of the season for Connacht to catch out the big sides. The Blues must plan without Welsh internationals Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cutbert, Jamie Roberts, Gethin Jenkins and Sam Warburton, with Lloyd Williams on the bench to face Scotland, but they still have enough about them to gather four points.

CARDIFF BLUES:B Blair; R Mustoe, C Laulala, G Evans, T James; C Sweeney, R Rees; J Yapp, T Rhys Thomas, S Hobbs; M Paterson, P Tito (capt); M Molitika, M Williams, X Rush. Replacements: R Tyrell, N Trevett, R Harford, C Hill, M Cook, L Jones, G Davies, T Williams.

CONNACHT:G Duffy (capt); F Vainikolo, K Tonetti, D McSharry, T O'Halloran; N O'Connor, P O'Donohoe; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Loughney; M Swift, M McCarthy; J Muldoon, R Ofisa, G Naoupu. Replacements: E Reynecke, D Buckley, S Maguire, D Gannon, M Kearney, D Moore, M Jarvis, H Fa'afili.

Referee:A McMenemy (SRU).

Verdict:Cardiff win.