Munster will host Connacht at Thomond Park on Saturday at 7.45pm in another weekend of Guinness PRO14 interpro derbies.

Both sides suffered narrow defeats in Round 12 and will be looking to set the record straight this time around.

What’s at stake?

Munster currently trail Conference A leaders Glasgow by 15 points and will look to this weekend as an opportunity to close the gap.

Connacht will be disappointed at their fifth place position at this stage and will hope to leapfrog Cardiff Blues with whom they’re level on points.

Both sides have been beaten by Leinster in recent weeks by small margins and will be looking to get their 2018 off to a positive start.

Team news (Munster):

Head coach Johann Van Graan has emptied his international reserve for their home clash this weekend, with CJ Stander captaining the side.

It is an all international back three made up of Simon Zebo, Andrew Conway and Keith Earls, whilst Ian Keatley and Conor Murray are back in the side at half backs.

Irish Internationals Dave Kilcoyne and John Ryan start as props with Jean Kleyn moving into second row in place of the injured Billy Holland.

Team news (Connacht):

Connacht head coach Kieran Keane has taken a different approach with the Six Nations looming and chosen to rest many of his stars.

Ultan Dillane, Bundee Aki and Kieran Marmion all miss out in a bid to manage their game time, leaving room for Peter McCabe, Caolin Blade and Eoin Griffin to make a start.

Talking Points:

Keane said: “We have come through a series of big games and some guys have seen a lot of game time. Our internationals in particular are due a break especially with the Six Nations just around the corner.

“The squad is in a really good place at the moment. Obviously, we felt we could and should have won against Leinster and we came very close. We did the review during the week, we identified where we came up short and now we move on.

“The performance and effort levels from the boys over the past few weeks has been top quality and particularly in the interpro series we have seen some real character.”

Van Graan added: “It’s not good enough for Munster to lose four games against other Irish provinces.

“That being said, two weeks ago, it all looked pretty rosy for Irish rugby with all four teams winning home and away in Europe.

“The positive is that it is all against quality opposition. You just have to look at Connacht and the type of rugby that they are playing.

“We didn’t play good rugby up there but we are actually playing some very good rugby now. The challenge is to put it together for 80 minutes.

“But yes, we do need a reaction on Saturday evening and we do need to get a positive result.”

Key Battle: Connor Murray v Caolin Blade

The scrum half battle epitomises the game. Conor Murray will look to outclass and out-muscle his young compatriot with high box kicks, which will test the Connacht defence.

If Connacht are to have a chance in this game it is important they get clean ball from the base and this will be down to Blade, who makes his 10th appearance of the season.

Key stat: Munster have won 25 of the 31 matches played between the two sides in the PRO14.

Did you know? Munster Rugby have lost their last two matches, both in the Guinness PRO14, at home to Leinster and away to Ulster. They have not lost three in a row in the Championship since December 2015.

Munster: Simon Zebo, Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls, Ian Keatley, Conor Murray, Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan, Jean Kleyn, Darren O’Shea, Jack O’Donoghue, Conor Oliver, CJ Stander
Replacements: Mike Sherry, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Robin Copeland, Peter O’Mahony, Duncan Williams, Bill Johnston, Darren Sweetnam.

Connacht: Tiernan O’Halloran, Niyi Adeolokun, Eoin Griffin, Pita Ahki, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade, Peter McCabe, Tom McCartney, Conor Carey, Quinn Roux, James Cannon, Cillian Gallagher, Jarrad Butler, John Muldoon
Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Conan O’Donnell, Finlay Bealham, Gavin Thornbury, Paul Boyle, James Mitchell, Craig Ronaldson, Darragh Leader.

Match officials – Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU), AR1: Sean Gallagher (IRFU), AR2: Nigel Correll (IRFU) TMO: Kevin Beggs (IRFU)

TV: TG4 (KO 7.45pm local)

Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and can be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie