Two late tries by Connacht wing Wanye Munn enabled the proud Irishmen to battle back to within five points of Pontypridd at Athlone last weekend.
And Howells is expecting an even more passion filled performance from Erc Elwood and company in what could be the Irish province’s last truly competitive game as a professional outfit.
“There is no doubt the off the field politics that are threatening both Connacht and Pontypridd’s long term futures in both Ireland and Wales are having an impact on this game,” said Howells.
“I don’t think either coach will need to give a team talk because all the players are well aware what is at stake.
“It was a great occasion in Athlone and I’m sure the Ponty fans will create their own special atmosphere for the return match.
“They surprised us out there by spreading the ball wide early on. They have a huge pack of forwards and I expect them to come driving at us.”
Pontypridd: B Davey; G Wyatt, S James, C Sweeney, E Lewis; N Jenkins, P John; G Jenkins, M Davies (capt), D Bell, B Cockbain, R Sidoli, R Parks, W O’Connor, G Lewis
Replacements: M Rees, S Cronk, M Owen, N Kelly, G Baber, J Lewis, M Nuthall
Connacht: M McHugh; G Duffy, D Yapp, S Moore (capt), W Munn; E Elwood, E Reddan; R McCormack, J Flannery, P Bracken, D Browne, R Frost, C Rigney, J O’Sullivan, J O’Connor
Replacements: D McFarland, M Uijs, M Swift, E Peters, C Keane, J Norton, T Robinson
