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It is the biggest day in Connacht’s history. After 15 seasons of Amlin Cup rugby, during which time the ultimate goal has always been to play Heineken Cup rugby, the day has finally arrived.

It is the biggest day in Connacht’s history. After 15 seasons of Amlin Cup rugby, during which time the ultimate goal has always been to play Heineken Cup rugby, the day has finally arrived.

Connacht’s only World Cup player, Fetu’u Vainikolo, is in line to make his debut for the province in Saturday evening’s RaboDirect Pro 12 fixture against Cardiff at the Galway Sportsground (6pm). The Tongan World Cup player, who has played on both left and right wings, has been recovering from a medial ligament tear and is expected to make his first start for Connacht this weekend. The 26-years-old, who signed for Connacht from the Otago Highlanders, returned to Galway after Tonga’s exit from the World Cup. After a late call-up to the Tonga squad, Vainikolo was given a starting place in Tonga's 25-20 loss to Canada, and scored a try against Japan in the group matches before suffering a knee injury. Connacht coach Eric Elwood says Vainikolo has returned from New Zealand full of confidence.

Connacht’s only World Cup player, Fetu’u Vainikolo, is in line to make his debut for the province in Saturday evening’s RaboDirect Pro 12 fixture against Cardiff at the Galway Sportsground (6pm).

Connacht return to the Galway Sportsground tomorrow evening (7.30pm) determined to make up for last weekend’s narrow loss to Edinburgh.

Connacht return to the Galway Sportsground this evening determined to make up for last weekend’s narrow loss to Edinburgh. Having played most of the rugby last weekend, Connacht know they let themselves down when failing to take advantage of their opportunities, and coach Eric Elwood says tomorrow discipline will be the key. “What killed us last weekend was our discipline, the penalty count at one stage was 10 to two. But the best thing about league rugby is you can put it right the following week with four points,” said Elwood. “I think the lads know they didn’t do themselves justice last week so we’re expecting a big performance this week from everybody. We can’t change results, but we can change how we play on Friday.”

Connacht coach Eric Elwood and his management team are challenging Connacht to raise the bar again when they host the Scarlets in their first home match of the Rabo Direct Pro 12 on Saturday (3.15pm). With 3,000 season tickets already sold, and buoyed by Connacht’s hard-fought win over Treviso in last weekend's opener, Elwood says it is important his team builds on that momentum, particularly for this first home fixture. “We are very much driven this year to push on from last year, so it is one game down and 20 game to go. Treviso is behind us and now it is all systems go for Scarlets. This is our first home match, there is pressure on the boys - on all of us - but that’s what we thrive on and all that mattes is four points.” Elwood says his team is not getting carried away by last weekend's victory, but believes the supporters appreciate the value of a win in Treviso. "People realise how hard it is to get a win in Treviso and, given the conditions with temperatures in the mid thirties, we deserved the victory. People will now come on Saturday expecting another big performance and even another win, and it's up to us to deliver it." Elwood is unlikely to make any changes to his starting XV, but will welcome the return of prop Brett Wilkinson on the replacement benches. Wilkinson’s return from injury will be a big boost for the front row which will once again will be tested against a Scarlets outfit that destroyed Aironi last week.

Connacht coach Eric Elwood and his management team are challenging Connacht to raise the bar again when they host the Scarlets in their first home match of the RaboDirect Pro 12 on Saturday (3.15pm).

Connacht’s biggest season since the game turned professional kicks off on Saturday when the province travels to Italy to face Benetton Treviso in the newly-named Rabo Direct Pro 12 League. Having achieved a best place finish in the Celtic League last season, Connacht’s task now is to consolidate that position, while enjoying the glamour that Heineken Cup rugby will bring to the province for the first time.

Connacht’s biggest season since the game turned professional kicks off on Saturday when the province travels to Italy to face Benetton Treviso in the newly-named Rabo Direct Pro 12 League.