Connacht facing the end game in Liberty Stadium

THE final game of Connacht’s season takes place at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on Saturday as they take on the Ospreys in the RaboDirect Pro12 finale (6:30).

The home side from the Neath and Swansea region are out of contention for the play offs after a shock defeat at the hands of Zebre last weekend. They are five points behind Ulster, but even if they draw level they will lose the head to head on matches won.

That should make for a loose and open feel to the game at the weekend and opens up the slight possibility of a shock win for Connacht if their hosts take the eye off the ball. Current form, however, points to a comfortable home victoryand a fourth loss on the bounce for Pat Lam’s men.

Whatever happens this weekend, there will be a positive vibe around Connacht heading into the off season after news of the Mils Muliaina signing this week with season ticket sales likely to jump as a result. It is a bold and expansive move, but it certainly seems worth the gamble at this point.

If Muliaina is fit for the start of the season and can play a part in the first six or eight games in 2014/15 then the positive effects for the entire season could be hugely significant. The team has lacked on-field experience and guidance at key junctures this season and his presence may provide a missing link.

For this weekend, Willie Faloon is definitely out for Saturday as he aggravated a recurring hamstring problem. Meanwhile hooker Jason Harris Wright faces a six month lay off after a dislocated shoulder that might require surgery. That leaves Connacht very short in a key position for the start of next season.