While you grab a half-time cuppa, or maybe even something stronger given it's nearly Christmas, a reminder of the pivotal derbies both these sides have coming up over the festive period.

On 26 December in a Boxing Day derby, Dragons have the short trip to play Cardiff at the Arms Park, where they have lost 18 straight games, before hosting Scarlets on New Year's Day.

It won't be quiet for Connacht either. The welcome Ulster on 27 December before a trip to champions Leinster on 3 January.

A reminder of what the result means for both teams heading into a huge fortnight.

Dragons started this clash rock bottom of the URC after that nerve-jangling win for Scarlets in Cardiff last night.

However, Ospreys losing 26-10 to Munster earlier tonight means a win will see them go above both the west Walian sides into 14th. Anything less, and they are at the bottom of the tree for Christmas.

Connacht, meanwhile, will go from ninth to seventh in the table should they prevail here in Gwent.

My word!

Fine Inisi intercepts in midfield and the Dragons centre is just caught by the cover defence. He doesn't panic though, keeps possession, and a penalty follows.

Dragons go corner and earn another penalty. Before that though, referee Ru Campbell is going to the TMO for a possible penalty try....

Is this really the team that went 364 days, yes 364, without a win?

Rio Dyer put the burners on to beat Chay Mullins out wide and Harrison Keddie then drives forward but eventually the attack breaks down.

Into time added on now. Connacht need something badly before the break.

After a TMO intervention Connacht are awarded a penalty. Josh Ioane pumps it into the 22 and now it's Dragons back under pressure.

But the pack stands firm and Bundee Aki is held up as he looks to break the gain line. Not often you see him lose the contact battle.

Looks like Tinus de Beer who got underneath him. And they say outside-halves shirk contact...

Dragons really have their tails up now in both attack and defence.

From a turnover in midfield, Che Hope looks to box kick but manages to hammer it into his own man for an accidental offside.

That was unlucky. Have to say, Hope has been outstanding so far.

We have a Dragons debut. Hooker George Roberts, recently signed from Doncaster, replaces a bloodied Oli Burrows.

His first scrum is a good one as the home pack get a penalty.

Nice first impression George...

Early blow for Connacht as Shayne Bolton hoofs a ball upfield and immediately goes to ground. Straight away, it was clear his night was over.

Christmas off for Bolton, and on comes replacement wing Hugh Gavin.

An ominous start for the hosts as Connacht go through multiple phases with Bundee Aki heavily involved.

But the attack breaks down as Cathal Forde spills the ball out wide. And breathe.

Right, there is a chill in the air but the rain has held off, and Connacht outside-half Josh Ioane gets us under way...

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Despite the euphoria of last Sunday, Filo Tiatia is yet to taste victory in the URC as Dragons head coach and has insisted this week his squad are now fully focused on Connacht.

"We won and you celebrate the moments – but then you go again," said Tiatia.

"We have seven more games in this 10-week block and there is a lot more work to do, still things to improve on."

Connacht chief Stuart Lancaster, meanwhile, has cited the returns of Cian Prendergast, Josh Ioane and Bundee Aki as a key factor in what he expects to be a difficult night in Gwent.

"With Cian, Bundee and Josh returning we have three experienced players whose leadership will be key in games such as this one," he said.

"I know from past experience that Rodney Parade is a tough place to go, so we have to produce an 80-minute performance.”

Image source, Getty Images

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster has made three changes to the side that cruised past Georgian side Black Lion 52-0 in Galway last weekend in Europe.

Flanker Cian Prendergast and fly-half Josh Ioane return after injuries, while centre Bundee Aki, rested for the Challenge Cup game, is also back.

Connacht: Gilbert; Mullins, Forde, Aki, Bolton; Ioane, Blade; Duggan, Heffernan, Illo, D Murray, N Murray, Prendergast (capt), O'Brien, Boyle.

Replacements: Tierney-Martin, Buckley, Bealham, J Murphy, Jansen, B Murphy, Carty, Gavin.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright has a niggle and isn't risked ahead of the festive derbies.

His international team-mates Ben Carter and Rio Dyer do return however, at lock and wing, after being rested against Lyon.

Harri Keddie will fill in for Wainwright, while loose-head prop Rodrigo Martinez also comes in up front.

Tonga international Fine Inisi has been given the nod at outside centre - his first start in that position - while there is a starting chance for scrum-half Che Hope.

Hooker George Roberts, newly signed from Doncaster, and tight-head prop Cebo Dlamini, who arrived from Griquas in South Africa on Tuesday, are set for debuts off the bench.

Dragons: O'Brien; J Rosser, Inisi, Owen, Dyer; De Beer, Hope; Martinez, Burrows, Hunt, Douglas, Carter (capt), Woodman, Beddall, Keddie.

Replacements: G Roberts, Morris, Dlamini, Lewis-Hughes, Young, R Williams, Westwood, Anderson.

Welcome to Rodney Parade, and you know what they say about buses?

After a 364-day wait, Dragons fans were finally able to celebrate a victory last weekend following the thrilling 23-21 European Challenge Cup win over Lyon. It ended a losing run that had dated back to 15 December 2024, when they won at Newcastle in the same competition.

Now Filo Tiatia's side are tasked with trying to register a first United Rugby Championship success on home soil since the opening weekend of the 2024-25 campaign.

Standing in their way tonight is Connacht, who have lost on both their previous visits to Wales this season.

The scene is set, so now let's take a look at the teams.

Time to grab a cuppa, or a glass of something else, and then settle back down for our second Welsh-Irish tussle of the evening in the United Rugby Championship as Dragons host Connacht at Rodney Parade - we'll start the build-up in a bit ahead of the 19:45 GMT kick-off.