Pro 12: Connacht v Glasgow Warrior, Friday 3rd April 19:45 Sportground. RTE/BBC Alba

Connacht

15. Gavin Duffy (captain) 14. Danie Poolman 13. Eoin Griffin 12. Brian Murphy 11. Fetu’u Vainikolo 10. Dan Parks 9. Kieran Marmion 1. Brett Wilkinson 2. Ethienne Reynecke 3. Ronan Loughney 4. Michael Swift 5. Mike McCarthy 6. Andrew Browne 7. Johnny O’Connor 8. Eoin McKeon

Replacements (from): Adrian Flavin, Rodney Ah You, JP Cooney, Mick Kearney, John Muldoon, Mata Fifita, Paul O’Donohoe, Miah Nikora

Glasgow Warriors

15 Peter Murchie 14 Tommy Seymour 13 Sean Lamont 12 Peter Horne 11 DTH Van der Merwe 10 Ruaridh Jackson 9 Henry Pyrgos 1 Moray Low 2 Pat MacArthur 3 Jon Welsh 4 Tim Swinson 5 Tom Ryder 6 Rob Harley 7 John Barclay 8 Ryan Wilson (C)

Replacements (from): 16 Doug Hall 17 Ryan Grant 18 Ed Kalman 19 James Eddie 20 Josh Strauss 21 Niko Matawalu 22 Sean Maitland 23 Stuart Hogg

Referee: George Clancy (IRFU, 55th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Paul Haycock, John Carvill (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: John Cole (IRFU)
TMO: Seamus Flannery (IRFU)


This day was going to come eventually, but that doesn't makes its coming any more of a shock to some. Since I can remember, Eric Elwood has been associated with Connacht. Whether as a player, coach or head coach, the man has embodied everything that our province takes pride in. Passion, Loyalty, Bravery and Integrity are all words that have been associated with the man, but that hardly does him justice. While the incoming Pat Lam has been well received and has the coaching pedigree needed to take the team to the next level, Eric Elwood has bled Connacht for a generation and his absence next year will be a departure will be felt by all

Compounding this sense of the end of an era, this will be the last match in a Connacht jersey for the likes of Mike McCarthy, who departs to Leinster next year in search of new challenges and some much deserved silverware. Sadly, it is also the last match ever for Adrian Flavin and Johnny O'Connor, who will retire at the end of the season. These three players have been stalwarts of our team for years, treating us to displays of courage and bravery that will be long remembered.

However, before the reminiscing can begin, there is a match to play and one that will have an effect on all areas of the table. A win for Connacht cements 8th position, equaling last years position and also ensuring we finish the season with our most wins yet and our best away record since the expansion to 12 teams. Outside of our own personal records, Connacht have an opportunity to repay two years (hopefully three) of HC rugby to Leinster by winning. As long as Glasgow do not lose with two BPs, a home win would secure Leinster a home semi final. However Connacht have been shorn of players like Dave McSharry, Denis Buckley, Nathan White and Willie Faloon through injury. The loss of these players, amongst others, is keenly felt in a squad that too often has had injury problems and has problems with depth in certain positions.

Glasgow, however, have something a lot more tangible to play for than records and tributes. A win for Glasgow puts them into second place, giving them a home semi-final should Leinster stumble vs the Ospreys. Given the importance of a win for Glasgow, it is a surprise to see Sean Maitland and Stuart Hogg, two of their better backs, are on the bench.

Both sides will be hugely motivated for this clash, a win is for Glasgow could secure a home semi final, crucial to their chances of success in the play-offs. A losing record in the Sportground since 2007 is also something they would like to address. Meanwhile Connacht will be hugely motivated to send off Elwood et al with winning memories and to underline the improvements that have been made with their presence.

This game is being shown on RTE and BBC Alba. For those that cannot watch the game their will be updates on the Pro 12 website and also on the Connacht FB and Twitter pages

Finally to Eric Elwood, Mike McCarthy, Adrian Flavin, Johnny O'Connor and anyone else who departs the province after this season. Thank you.