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With European rugby taking centre stage this weekend, Connacht and Treviso are locked into a battle of their own in their refixed RaboDirect Pro 12 clash in Italy this evening. Both sides are still looking for their best league finish and, on this occasion, Treviso have the upper hand. They are currently in seventh place with 43 points, while Connacht are in ninth with 36 points. A win for Connacht would ensure they cannot be caught by Edinburgh, who, just four points behind, host the Dragons next week, while Eric Elwood’s side host a Glasgow outfit looking for a home-semi. “This is a huge game for both sides,” says Elwood. “ Treviso are going for their best finish and we can still improve on our league standing for a third year in a row, so there is a lot riding on this game. A win for either side would ensure we go into the last match with a huge incentive.”

Interprovincial victories always have always been a little thin on the ground for Connacht, but when they host Ulster tomorrow evening (7.45pm), the home side has a real opportunity to make it two from three at home this season.

After an unexpected three week break from action, Connacht head to Edinburgh for a crucial clash in their bid to finish this season’s campaign on a high.

Long-serving Connacht flanker and former Ireland international Johnny O'Connor has announced his retirement from the game.

After a successful sequence of four RaboDirect Pro 12 games, Connacht take a rest for two weeks before heading into a vital interprovincial clash with Munster.

Connacht’s away form is under ever-increasing scrutiny as the club heads to Wales to face Cardiff Blues this evening (7.30pm). Coach Eric Elwood has had to make four changes from the side that beat the Ospreys last week. Robbie Henshaw’s involvement with the Irish set up has seen him remain in camp with the national side, so captain Gavin Duffy will start at full back this evening picking up his 151st cap for Connacht. Tiernan O’Halloran’s knee injury has forced him out with Fetu’u Vainikolo replacing him. There will be plenty of extra Mayo interest to see how Brian Murphy does at inside centre, the 27-year-old only signed professionally with Connacht last summer from Galwegians and the former Shrule-Glenncorrib GAA man will be looking to make a big impression. In the pack Andrew Browne will replace Mick Kearney in the second row

Connacht’s away form is under ever-increasing scrutiny as the club heads to Wales to face Cardiff Blues tomorrow evening (7.30pm).

BY LINLEY MACKENZIE

Connacht return to the Galway Sportsground for the first time since last month's Heineken Cup win over Zebre when they host the current Celtic League champions tomorrow evening (7.45pm).

Connacht Rugby announced their team to face Scarlets in tonight’s Round 14 of the RaboDirect PRO12 league. Eric Elwood's side travel to Parc y Scarlets for tonight’s fixture (kick off 7:30pm) and there are a number of changes to the team that played Zebre three weeks ago in the Heineken Cup. Brett Wilkinson, Jason Harris Wright and skipper Nathan White make up the front row trio. Replacing Ireland international Mike McCarthy will be Mick Kearney who starts in the second row alongside Connacht's highest capped player Michael Swift (234 caps).