IT’S WIL POWER WE NEED

Ospreys v Connacht Tonight, 7.35pm

CONNACHT defence coach Pete Wilkins believes the do-or-die nature of their clash with Ospreys this evening will inspire the province in the race for Champions Cup rugby.

There are seven changes to the Connacht side who were dumped out the Challenge Cup at the quarter-final stage in the Sportsground last weekend for this trip to Liberty Stadium.

When Connacht faced off against Ospreys in Round 14 it finished in a 26-15 win for the 2016 league champions, but Wilkins knows the Welsh have improved greatly.

“They would be disappointed with their start to the season. But particularly in the last month they generated some real momentum,” said Wilkins.

“They’ve got good players. For us it’s not a surprise, there are too many good players in that Ospreys group to have a poor season from start to finish.

“Some of their bigger names have stood up. We will have to be aware of that. But what a wonderful challenge. Chasing that Champions Cup spot, that’s why we are involved.”

There are just two changes in the backline where the centres have been changed with Ireland Grand Slam winner Bundee Aki rested.

Tom Farrell is also swapped out with Eoin Griffin and Peter Robb back in. Robb has not played in the league since Connacht’s 29-7 defeat at Ospreys in January 2017.

There are five alterations in the pack where hooker Shane Delahunt, and tighthead prop Conor Carey come into the front row. Ultan Dillane (above) and James Cannon form a new second row while Sean O’brien is the only change in the back row.