Connacht are expecting a full house of 2,000 at the Showground in Galway on Friday night for what Chief Executive Gerry Kelly calls "one of our biggest fixtures ever".Cardiff will be the visitors and their Chief Executive, former Wales and Lions lock Rob Norster, has already warned Kelly his team will be aiming for revenge after their 6-3 defeat at the Arms Park last season.

" We've had Northampton here in the European Shield in the past, but I would say that Cardiff are the biggest club side we've ever seen in Galway," said Kelly.

"With players like Iestyn Harris, Rhys and Martyn Williams and Craig Morgan in their side, allied to our victory over Scottish Borders in our opening game, I think we could have a near full-house on Friday."

The old war-horse Eric Elwood, who kicked all the points in last season's win in Cardiff, is battling a rib injury, while back row dynamo Johnny O'Connor is considered doubtful with an ankle injury.