It's now or never for Connacht as they welcome Cardiff Blues to The Sportsground for the penultimate round of URC action. With just two rounds to go the stakes couldn't be higher for Andy Friend and sixth-placed Connacht as they look to defend their place in the quarter-finals. We have all the information on how to watch Connacht v Cardiff right here.
When is Connacht v Cardiff?
Connacht take on Cardiff at 19:35 on Saturday 15th April in The Sportsground Galway.
How to watch Connacht v Cardiff
Connacht v Cardiff will be broadcast live on RTE 2 with coverage beginning at 19:00 ahead of the 19:35 kick-off.
24 September 2021; Kieran Marmion of Connacht scores a try during the United Rugby Championship match between Cardiff Blues and Connacht at Arms Park in Cardifff, Wales. Photo by Mark Lewis/Sportsfile
Form Guide
The stakes don't get much higher for either side. Cardiff sit just two points outside the points required for quarter-final qualification as it stands, while Connacht in sixth place are just three points inside that same range.
With Connacht looking to avoid any losses and the potential of not making the quarter-finals they'll be keen to make a big statement against a struggling Welsh side. Their league form has been outstanding. Coming into this fixture off the back of a five-game unbeaten run, this is a team who has come into its own in the second half of the season. Looking unstoppable at the moment, the game is there for them to win.
Cardiff on the other hand are clearly a side caught up in the turmoil of Welsh rugby at the moment. They've managed just two wins in their last five and even at that their wins came against frankly poor Italian sides. They recorded an understandable loss against Leinster, fighting gallantly for much of the game but haven't built on it at all suffering defeats against the Scarlets and Ulster as well.
Head to head there's no doubt about it, Connacht are the in-form team with plenty to play for and are the obvious favourite. With home advantage in Galway anything but a win against Cardiff would be a huge disappointment for the side.
Team News
Connacht Team
Andy Friend has named an explosive side as Six Nations winners Finlay Bealham, Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki all start for Connacht. Out-half Jack Carty will lead the province out and he's paired with Caolin Blade at number nine. The team in full is
Let's do this! 👊💚🦅
📰: https://t.co/RMHB056RPX#BKTURC #CONvCAR pic.twitter.com/IrFH9Id8rg— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) April 14, 2023
Cardiff Team
Welsh international Tomos Williams is set to captain the side on Saturday while powerhouse Taulupe Faletau is set to start at number eight. Connacht will have to be careful in the middle of the park with Rhys Priestland starting at Out-half pairing up with his scrumhalf and captain Williams. The team in full is
🔵⚫️ Y TÎM | LINE UP
🆚 @connachtrugby 🦅
🏆 @URCOfficial
🏟️ The Sportsground
📅 Saturday, April 15 (KO 7.35pm)
📺 @ViaplaySportsUK | @S4CRygbi
The big 1⃣0⃣0⃣ for @CoreyD_96 out in Galway pic.twitter.com/6Mt9ng7VUx— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) April 14, 2023
That's all the info you need on how to watch Connacht v Cardiff in the penultimate round of the URC.
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