CONNACHT may not have talisman Bundee Aki in midfield but Newport Gwent Dragons know they must be on the top of their defensive game to avoid the Guinness PRO12 champions cutting loose tomorrow, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 26-year-old powerhouse centre was named as the league’s MVP after inspiring the Irish province to upset the odds by winning the title.

However, he has been out of action since December with an ankle injury and has had to push back a planned return against the Dragons at the Sportsground (kick-off 7.35pm).

The New Zealander was in inspirational form when the sides met in Galway last season but the Dragons know they must be on their guard even if the hosts are Aki-less.

“Bundee Aki is a class individual but they play with a lot of width and have a pod system with the front five in the middle and they use the whole field,” said centre Adam Warren.

“We have to be on top form in defence because they stress teams. You have to scan a lot and if you don’t hold your width and get your spacings right then they can cut you.

“Last year Connacht were brilliant and turned a lot of heads. Nobody expected them to win the league.

“This season maybe they have forced things a bit in their game, but when they get it right they score some good tries.”

Connacht lifted the PRO12 trophy last season but the current campaign has them battling with the Dragons, Edinburgh and Cardiff Blues in a ‘mini league’ for placings seven to ten.

Kingsley Jones’ side currently trail the champs, who also have a game in hand, by six points and need to record their first away win of the campaign to stay in touch.

“It’s a big game for us because they are only just above us in the table,” said Warren. “We haven’t been brilliant away but if we bring that attacking intent that we have at home I am confident we can do a job.”

Warren knows Galway presents a unique challenge – “there can be sideways rain but you just get zoned in” – but believes it can be the springboard for a strong finish to the season.

“Connacht is one of the places that teams don’t enjoy going but for us it would be a great ground to get that away win to change things round for us,” said the centre.

“If we do that we can climb the table and put pressure on teams like the Blues above us by finishing the season strongly.”

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