Pen to Connacht and Carty will go for the posts 5m in from the touchline from just behind the 22

Connacht make their way deep inside following a serious of strong running. Carty controlling well

Connacht attempting to exit their own half with ball in hand

Dragons lineout on Conn 10m line and the visitors attack but its ultimately in vain as the ball is turned it over at ruck time

Ball is kicked back and fielded well by Tiernan O'Halloran but he's penalised for holding on - first pen to Dragons

Jack Carty gets us underway here at the sports ground!

An interesting encounter awaits us, stay tuned for live updates!

Connacht's only defeat to the Dragons in their last six encounters was 3-14 at Rodney Parade in November 2012, whilst the 'Men from Gwent' have won just once before at the Sportsground: 32-14 on their first ever visit on 1st May 2004.

Newport Gwent Dragons' 20-19 victory over Treviso in round 22 last season ended a seven game winless run in the competition. Dragons have won their opening fixture for the past two seasons, but their only away victory in the Pro12 since February 2013 came at Glasgow in round 8 last year.

Connacht concluded last season with an unwanted run of five successive defeats since the beat Dragons at Rodney Parade at the end of March. The Irishmen have been successful in their round 1 encounter for three of the last four seasons and will hope to improve on this winning percentage.