Connacht prefer to remember the way they finished last season - with a 13-11 win over Neath - than dwell on the IRFU's contemplation of them as a gangrenous province that required financial amputation.
Connacht survived that emotive crisis. Now they aim to show that the parent body's original thoughts were at least misplaced.
That victory over the Welsh side last January was a reversal of an earlier 45-0 hiding. Progress by the side, they tell you, should not be measured over one match but looked at with a broader vision.
Connacht coach Steph Nel, now in his second year, looks to small positive steps building into a bigger, more successful, Connacht squad. In that the Celtic League, interprovincials and European Shield will play critical roles. Just don't demand the instant gratification of reaching short-term targets.
"Everyone is saying to us Cardiff, Cardiff, Cardiff. But we've beaten Neath, we've beaten Montferrand. There is not that much of a difference between the sides we played last year and those we will face this year," says Nel of his first test tomorrow in the Arms Park.
"We can't just say this is Everest and we've to get to the top.We've to reach base camp first, then camp two, camp three and so on. I think in two years Connacht will be able to say we are ready for the European Cup campaign. Our number one priority now is to make sure the IRFU realise that this is a worthwhile investment."
New faces and older warriors like Eric Elwood and captain Mark McConnell look to build where the side left off last season, but Connacht don't wish to be patronised this year.
"No way does a long-term view take away from our responsibility to go out on the pitch and perform in each match," says Nel. "Connacht won't cry victim," he adds.
"The IRFU have given us an identity and a development role. But I know of the commitment of the players and the exuberance of the youth coming through. That can work miracles for us.
"Mark (McConnell) as captain is also a very astute rugby head. Eric (Elwood) is too. He did not want a captain's or vice-captain's role. But the two of them have a great controlling influence over the team.
"The funding issue is now history," Nel adds. "For young players who want exposure this is the province."
Five new caps will face Cardiff. Irish under-21s Gavin Duffy, at full back, and Des Dillon, at number eight, will be joined by prop Peter Bracken, back row Paul Neville and Buccaneers scrumhalf Chris Keane.
Connacht may not conquer in Wales, but they could catch an early glimpse of Everest.
