Cardiff Blues return to Guinness PRO14 action this week with all to play for in the second half of the campaign.
Following European fixtures and a three-week interval, it’s been more than a month since John Mulvihill’s men were last in Championship action, where they suffered a narrow defeat to rivals Scarlets in a thrilling festive contest at Cardiff Arms Park.
However, PRO14 rugby returns this weekend, with the Blues travelling to Galway on Saturday to take on Conference B rivals, Connacht, at Sportground.
Wales’ Capital Region currently sit in fifth place in a highly competitive Conference B, with only 11 points separating top of the table Edinburgh and sixth placed Benetton Rugby.
The Blues have won four of their last five PRO14 fixtures, including derby victories over Ospreys and Dragons and a dramatic last-gasp victory at Treviso.
With five wins and five losses so far this season, the Welsh region have an identical record to this weekend’s hosts, Connacht, but the Irish outfit have attained an additional bonus point to edge ahead in the table.
With this season’s Grand Final being held at Cardiff City Stadium, Mulvihill’s men will be desperate to finish in the top three, and will be looking to close the six-point gap between them and Munster over the coming weeks.
Following Saturday’s crucial clash, Cardiff Blues host Benetton Rugby at the Arms Park on Sunday, 23 February before a trip to Edinburgh at the end of the month.
Following the clash at the Scottish capital, there will be another three week interval before the final run-in of eight games, including home fixtures against Zebre, Ospreys, Isuzu Southern Kings and Connacht.
Tickets for all of Cardiff Blues' remaining home fixtures this season, including the upcoming clashes against Benetton Rugby, Zebre and the derby against Ospreys, are available to purchase NOW! Be in the heart of the action at Cardiff Arms Park!