Young names side for Connacht clash

Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Bradley Davies, Gethin Jenkins and John Yapp will all remain in the Wales Six Nations squad with only Robin Sowden Taylor returning for Blues duty.

The Blues recorded a 58 point to 0 victory over this Friday's opponents the last time they played but Young is not expecting a similar score line when they visit Ireland.

"The win against Glasgow didn't move us any further up the table but it made us realise that we have to win both our matches during the six nations period," said Young.

"I was particularly pleased with our first half performance against Glasgow and very disappointed with our second half effort. However, at the end of the day we came away with a bonus point win, and obviously we would have settled for that before the game."

"We looked rusty, which was to be expected during the break, but we will be going into the Conacht match with better game sense, game speed and game understanding."

"Connacht are always a difficult team to play away, as everyone knows, and something I've been banging the drum about all week is our mental toughness. It's a game we know we have to win and we should win."

"We are very respectful of the opposition, but at the end of the day we have the determination and the honesty to know that we have to get the right result."

"The fact that we lose our internationals during the Six Nations and they don't is certainly a leveller, as they play together and train together week in week out. They pick up a lot of points during the international period but we can't offer that as an excuse. You win or lose tournaments with your squads, not your teams, and this match will be a test of our squad."

"Jamie Roberts had a big match in midfield when we played them at the Arms Park, but he won't be figuring this time due to the Six Nations, so I imagine they will be relieved about that."

"We know it will be difficult and a tight game and I certainly don't expect it to be a 58-0 victory again, but I think we have enough quality players to cause them problems and I expect us to go there and win.

Connacht have lost their last three games in the Magners League since their momentous victory over Munster on 28 December and the Blues have won their last three matches in all competitions since their 20-21 defeat to Leinster.

Connacht V Cardiff Blues
At Sportsground Friday 6 March 6.30pm

15 Ben Blair
14 Richard Mustoe
13 Jamie Robinson
12 Ceri Sweeney
11 Tom James
10 Nicky Robinson
9 Jason Spice
1 Rhys Gill
2 T Rhys Thomas
3 Gary Powell
4 Deiniol Jones
5 Scott Morgan
6 Maama Molitika
8 Xavier Rush
7 Robin Sowden-Taylor