THE PRO14 BOOTROOM
CONNACHT v CARDIFF
TEAM NEWS: Former Australia U20 out-half Andrew Deegan makes his first start for Connacht with Craig Ronaldson (right) also making his first start of the season at No 12. Tiernan O’Halloran’s injury sees Cian Kelleher come on to the wing and Daragh Leader at 15, with Ultan Dillane starting in the second row. Cardiff will look to their returning Lion Kristian Dacey at hooker and former Lion Alex Cuthbert on the wing. LAST THREE MEETINGS: Feb 17 - Cardiff 13 Connacht 19 Nov 16 - Connacht 18 Cardiff 7 Dec 15 - Cardiff 20 Connacht 16
VERDICT: Connacht. WHY: While Connacht have more or less picked up where they left off last season and continue to struggle for form, they have at least fared better than the Blues, who are still looking for their first win of the new campaign. Given the Welsh side have rarely troubled Connacht in the past, the province get the nod to pick up another win on home soil, after recording a double over Cardiff last term.
KEY STAT Connacht’s Bundee Aki has the most carries in the Pro14 this season, with 59.
CONNACHT: D Leader; C Kelleher, B Aki, C Ronaldson, R Scholes; A Deegan, K Marmion; D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham; U Dillane, Q Roux; E Masterson, J Butler, J Muldoon. Reps: S Delahunt, D Coulson, C Carey, G Thornbury, E McKeon, C Blade, T Farrell, S Ili. CARDIFF BLUES: R Williams; A Cuthbert, R Lee-Lo, W Halaholo, T James; S Shingler, L Williams (C); B Thyer, K Dacey, T Filise; S Davies, D Welch; J Turnbull, J Navidi, N Williams. Reps: E Lewis, C Domachowski, K Assiratti, G Earle, O Robinson, T Williams, J Evans, M Morgan. Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR) TV: LIVE on Sky Sports Action from 3pm, kick-off 3.15.