CARDIFF BLUES moved above the Scarlets in the Magners League table with a victory over bottom side Connacht which hinged on two tries in a six-minute spell by Tom James.

CONNACHT’S European qualification credentials receive their first real test this evening in France when they face Montpellier at Stade Yves du Manoir (7pm).

CONNACHT will be expected to open their 14th European campaign this evening with a victory over unknown visitors Olympus Rugby XV Madrid to the Sportsground

Centre Niva Ta’auso returns to the Connacht squad after being out since the opening day of the season ahead of the Magners League game against Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Connacht 39 Newport Gwent Dragons 17

RUA TIPOKI’S Munster injury saga will drag on for at least another week following confirmation last night that he is ruled out of next week’s Heineken Cup clash against the Ospreys.

THE Ospreys maintained their pressure on Munster and Leinster at the top of the Magners League table with comfortable, victory over Connacht at Liberty Stadium yesterday.