Versatile Connacht back Danie Poolman is in a race to be fit for the showdown with the Ulster so that he can continue his blistering scoring form.
The South African, who has scored five tries in the last six games suffered a rib injury in the Challenge Cup loss away to Newcastle Falcons on Sunday.
Coach Pat Lam is hoping that Poolman, who can play on the wing, centre or full back, will be available as he tries to deal with an injury crisis.
Poolman said these festive derbies were key encounters for Connacht as they bid to continue their best ever start to a season.
They go into the St Stephen’s Day clash against Ulster at the Sportsground sitting second the table and they are also the top try scorers in the Pro12 this season.
“Last year we flew up the day of the game of the game, we had to play them over there. That was quite tough, we just lost by three points.
“They are playing quite well and they are on a good run. They inter-pros are really tough, especially over the festive season, it is going to be really busy. But we are really looking forward to that.”
Ulster are six points behind Connacht in fifth place but beat Toulouse back-to-back in the Champions Cup recently.
Meanwhile, Connacht won at home to Newcastle but lost on the road in the Challenge Cup and are looking to bounce back.
Poolman is looking forward to getting the chance to replicate the derby victory over Munster earlier this season.
The 26-year-old did not feature at Thomond Park that day but says those are the type of games that every Connacht player thrives on and increases his desire to be fit and available for them.
“We do want to beat other Irish provinces because of the rivalries and the inter-pros are really big for us.
“To beat the top teams and the teams below you it makes the chances of making the top six a lot easier. We definitely will be going out to win it.
“We have a good home record so that’s what we are going for. We try not to lose at home. That’s one of the goals we set. And because it’s such a big rivalry with the other three provinces we take those games more seriously, and they are big games for us.
“If you saw the Munster game it’s a lot easier to get up for a game like that, not because what’s at stake but because of the rivalry and the tradition between the two provinces.
“You get up for it emotionally a lot easier and we will be up for Ulster coming down,” he said.
