Definitely the toughest assignment for any of the Irish provinces in the opening round of Celtic League matches. Connacht coach Steph Nel has picked up some promising young players in Des Dillon (Leinster) and Peter Bracken and Paul Neville, both from Munster.

All three make their competitive debuts in the green jersey, Dillon and Neville in the back row and Bracken in a very powerful front row. Nel would probably have liked a few matches before taking on a team of Caridiff's obvious talent, albeit that the Welsh side are without several established stars.

Connacht boast a very strong pack but it is their ability to use the possession that they will win that is questionable. Once again a large slice of responsibility rests on the shoulders of Eric Elwood, not simply in place-kicking terms but more importantly on whether he is able to inspire some above average backline play.

Cardiff include 6ft 6in, 161/2 stone, New Zealand-born right wing Craig Hudson, the Robinson brothers, Jamie and Nick, and will be captained by Canadian international John Tait. Pieter Muller and Craig Quinnell are on the bench. Connacht should learn a great deal about themselves after this match.

Cardiff: R Williams; C Hudson, J Robinson, M Allen, P Jones; N Robinson, R Powell; S John, G Woods, G Powell; A Jones, J Tait (capt); R Appleyard, R Sowden-Taylor, M Griffin.

Connacht: G Duffy; P Duignan, D Yapp, T Allnutt, W Munn, E Elwood, C Keane; D McFarland, M Uijs, P Bracken; M McConnell (capt), R Frost; M Swift, D Dillon, P Neville.