Elwood: Scarlets trip is crucial

ULSTER could face a Hellor to Connacht situation as the battle to secure Ireland’s third place in the 2010/2011 Heineken Cup in tensifies, with former Irish international heroes Michael Bradley and Eric Elwood fronting the challenge.

Connacht’s chance of entering the European elite progressed significantly with a sensational Magners League victory over the European champions Leinster on Wednesday at the Sportsground, and that helped lift them off the bottom of the table.

It all makes for an intriguing run-in to the league, firstly involving both Irish clubs having to travel this weekend – Connacht to Scarlets and Ulster to title contenders Edinburgh.