Wales are determined to begin a two-year World Cup countdown today by ending their dismal run of defeats against Australia.

Connacht lacked so much ‘attitude and commitment’ according to coach Kieran Keane who bristled with frustration as his side lost for the third time in four PRO14 games on Saturday.

Connacht have turned to new out-half Andrew Deegan as they seek a crucial home win against Cardiff Blues.

Three tries in eight stunning minutes helped Leinster to a bonus point win over Cardiff Blues at the RDS.

Leo Cullen has warned that Leinster cannot allow their upcoming South African trip to distract them from the business at hand tonight when they face Cardiff Blues at the RDS in the second round of the Guinness PRO14.

Leo Cullen has warned that Leinster cannot allow their upcoming South African trip to distract them from the business at hand tonight when they face Cardiff Blues at the RDS in the second round of the Guinness PRO14.

Ulster 24 Cardiff Blues 24: Cardiff Blues dented Ulster’s hopes of making the Guinness PRO12 play-offs when they carved out a share of the points at the Kingspan Stadium last night.

Ireland skipper Rory Best will lead Ulster for the first time this season when they face a strong Cardiff outfit at the Kingspan Stadium this evening (kick-off 7.35pm).

Munster and Cardiff Blues won’t be lacking incentives when they clash at the Arms Park this evening in a Guinness PRO12 encounter that could play an important part in their seasons.

Iain Henderson and Chris Henry return to the Ulster side for this evening’s Guinness Pro 12 game at Cardiff Blues, a match both teams regard as critical to relaunching their seasons.

Cardiff Blues 13 Leinster 16 

Munster’s charge towards the top four of the Pro12 hit a speed bump as they slipped to a 37-28 defeat at Cardiff Blues.

“It’s like every game we play from here on, we’re in cup final mode.”

Plastic pitches, 3G surfaces, artificial turf.

Leinster 23 Cardiff Blues 15: It proved a successful competitive home debut for Leo Cullen at the RDS on Saturday evening, as Leinster held off a game display from Cardiff Blues to secure their first win of the Guinness Pro12 season.

Guinness Pro12

As expected, Munster proved too strong for Cardiff Blues as they sealed another Guinness Pro 12 victory at Musgrave Park tonight and maintained their third place in the table.

Guinness Pro12

Cardiff Blues 13 Leinster 22: Reigning Pro12 champions Leinster believe they have turned a corner in the New Year after coming from behind to claim a bonus-point victory over Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

Cardiff Blues may be lying ninth in the Pro12 table, but with a pack boasting three British and Irish Lions, as well as a recalled Alex Cuthbert on the wing, Leinster know it won’t be easy at the Arms Park.

Newport Gwent Dragons 9 Cardiff Blues 11

Cardiff Blues 24 Munster 28

Robin Copeland’s return to the BT Cardiff Arms Park where he enjoyed two highly successful years before linking up with Munster this season and the first appearance of Argentine international Luis Gonzalez Amorosino on the wing for Cardiff Blues adds considerable interest to this evening’s Guinness Pro12 clash.

Connacht 24 Cardiff 24

Leinster 37 Cardiff Blues 23

Guinness Pro12:

Ireland internationals Tommy Bowe and Paddy Jackson both make their first starts of the season for Ulster on Friday in the away match against Cardiff Blues.

Connacht 15 Cardiff 22

With European Cup qualification out of the equation, Connacht are still intent on a best-place finish to this season’s Pro12 when they entertain Cardiff Blues in their final home game of the season this evening (5pm).

Cardiff 28 Ulster 23

Leinster have been boosted by the return to fitness of Richardt Strauss as they aim retake top spot on the RaboDirect PRO12 table with victory over Cardiff Blues at Arms Park this evening (8.05pm kick-off).

Munster resume RaboDirect Pro12 duty tonight boosted in their bid to maintain momentum at the top of the table by the return of several Ireland squad members.

RABO DIRECT PRO12:

Leinster 34 Cardiff Blues 20

RABO DIRECT PRO12:

RABODIRECT PRO12

RaboDirect PRO12: Cardiff Blues v Leinster

South Africa-born forward Andries Pretorius has been named in the Wales squad for this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Cardiff Blues 18 Munster 24

The return to home comforts at Cardiff Arms Park tonight is no guarantee to help the Blues end a dismal run of defeats by Munster, but director of rugby Phil Davies remains hopeful the visitors might find it hard to grind out a result there.