“We have no doubt that this is going to be a tough game,” said Lam. “But for us, getting the four points this week is the priority.”

Wing Niyi Adeolokun and centre Craig Ronaldson both come in to the back line and Ireland international Kieran Marmion also starts - marking his 60th appearance for the province.

Prop Ronan Loughney makes his first start of the season after several appearances from the bench and Nathan White also comes into the front row.

Mick Kearney and and Quinn Roux both start in the pack and Willie Faloon comes back into the side at openside flanker.

Lam also spoke of the importance of the fans, particularly for home games and looked for a repeat of the incredible atmosphere in the Sportsground for their win over Leinster.

“The support from our fans will help us massively.”

“Against Leinster two weeks ago, I had never experienced that sort of noise” said Lam, “and it would be awesome if our supporters can replicate that again and some more tomorrow night.”

Connacht team in full: Darragh Leader, Niyi Adeolokun, Robbie Henshaw, Craig Ronaldson, Danie Poolman, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion, Ronan Loughney, Dave Heffernan, Nathan White, Mick Kearney, Quinn Roux, John Muldoon - capt, Willie Faloon, George Naoupu.

Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Denis Buckley, Rodney Ah You, Aly Muldowney, Eoin McKeon, Ian Porter, Fionn Carr, Shane Layden.

Cardiff team in full: Adam Thomas, Alex Cuthbert, Cory Allen, Gavin Evans, Dan Fish, Rhys Patchell, Lewis Jones; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees - capt, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, Jarrad Hoeata, Filo Paulo, Macauley Cook, Sam Warburton, Manoa Vosawai.

Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Sam Hobbs, Scott Andrews, Josh Turnbull, Josh Navidi, Tavis Knoyle, Gareth Davies, Geraint Walsh.

The match kicks-off at 7.35pm on Friday October 3 at the Sportsground.