Crunch time for Bradley

Connacht v Ospreys : Now that Michael Bradley is remaining with Connacht, the team can continue with their drive towards Heineken…

Connacht v Ospreys: Now that Michael Bradley is remaining with Connacht, the team can continue with their drive towards Heineken European Cup qualification. This is Connacht's main objective and a win tomorrow would be a crucial step toward that goal.

They must finish in the league table ahead of Cardiff and hope to win a subsequent play-off match against the third-placed Italian side at the end of the month.

Route two is more precarious as they would need to win the Celtic Cup, for which the top eight teams in the league qualify.

Bradley has named a squad of 23 for the clash, with Darren Yapp's hamstring remaining the primary concern. But James Downey has been confirmed fit, having missed over two months with a broken collarbone. Eric Elwood is due to play for the last time for Connacht at the Sportsground, which should give the fixture an emotional edge.

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It is difficult to see what will motivate the Ospreys, since they have won the title, but given the strength of their squad, one incentive should be the fact Connacht have won the last three matches between the sides.

Connacht have never shirked raising their game and Bradley has been able to get the best from his team against big opposition.

Ospreys (squad): Backs - S Terblanche, R Mustoe, D Bishop, S Parker, G Henson, A Bishop, S Williams, M Jones, J Spice, R Rees. Forwards - D Jones, P James, R Hibbard, B Williams (captain), A Millward, A Jones, B Cockbain, A Newman, J Thomas, R Jones, R Pugh, J Bater, S Tandy.

Connacht (squad): Forwards - A Clarke, R Hogan, S Knoop, J Fogarty, B Jackman, C Short, M Carroll, A Farley, M Lacey, B O'Connor, J O'Sullivan, M Swift. Backs - M Mostyn, C McPhillips, T Robinson, D Slemen, J Downey, M McHugh, D Yapp, P Warwick, E Elwood, C Keane, M Walls.

Referee: Ian Heard (SRU)

Verdict: Home win.

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times