The clash with the Irish side is the Blues’ first competitive home game on the new surface following a pre-season win over Sale Sharks.
Last Friday’s PRO12 opener away to Glasgow ended in a narrow defeat but the comprehensive victory over Sale augers well.
And with Wales and British & Irish Lions wing Alex Cuthbert joined by the returning Andries Pretorius in the starting XV, Director of Rugby Phil Davies is beginning to see his side take shape.
“There are no excuses for slipping anymore and it’s world class really,” was Andrews’ verdict on the new surface.
“I don’t think anyone can complain about it and the one game went well for us so hopefully we can continue that on Friday night.
“It was good to go down there before the game and try things out but if anything, there is better grip – you know it’s going to be 100 per cent every time so there should be an improvement for both teams.
“I’m sure the boys will get used to that. We’ve got some good finishers out wide and hopefully it will play into our hands.”
Andrews starts in the front row tomorrow night with Pretorius and Wales scrum half Lloyd Williams both set to make their 50th appearance for the region.
Pretorius is one of three changes to the side that lost in Glasgow, Cuthbert and centre Dafydd Hewitt also coming into the side. Lou Reed and Kristian Dacey are both named among the replacements.
On the prospect of facing Connacht, Andrews said: “They had a good win against Zebre – that’s all we’ve seen of them this year but we know from the past they’re a difficult team to play against.
“They’ve got Dan Parks controlling things and they’ve improved massively over the last couple of years so we know it’s going to be a big challenge.
“But it’s the first league game on the new pitch so we’re looking forward to it.”
Andrews added that Connacht would be a difficult side to face with Davies’ side placing a big emphasis on giving away as few penalties as possible.
“Discipline is a big one. It’s one of the things we talked about in Glasgow,” he said.
“I know there have been new players going to Connacht over the last few years, they’ve only been going in one direction so they’ll be looking to continue that.
“In the past maybe it’s been an easy fixture but over the last few years and since I’ve been playing with the Blues, it’s been tough. They came to the Arms Park last year and were pretty good and there’s never an easy game in this league.”
