Munster got the bonus-point win required to keep their Guinness Pro 12 challenge running, but it was not quite achieved with the satisfaction they might have wanted at Musgrave Park this afternoon.

Guinness Pro 12

Guinness Pro12

Connacht 53 Benetton Treviso 5

Treviso 20 Ulster 24: This was one of the most astonishing games in the league for a long time.

Ireland’s Jared Payne returns to a strong Ulster’s match-day squad for tomorrow’s difficult Pro12 trip to Treviso.

Jordi Murphy and Dave Kearney make their first starts of the season in Leinster’s Guinness Pro12 clash away to Benetton Treviso at Stadio Monigo tomorrow (2.30pm).

Treviso 6 Connacht 9

Connacht’s seasonal ambitions could well come down to games such as this evening’s in Italy at Stadio Monigo (7pm, Irish time).

GUINNESS PRO12:

Munster head coach Anthony Foley is demanding his players step up to the plate at the Stadio Monigo tonight (7pm Irish time) and beat Benetton Treviso, despite losing lock Paul O’Connell on the eve of the game.

Munster hat-trick hero Simon Zebo has been given a chance to stake a senior international claim after being selected for the Ireland Wolfhounds in the A international against England Saxons in Exeter tomorrow (5pm).

CONNACHT coach Eric Elwood has vowed that a heartbreaking late loss to English Premiership side Gloucester will not break his side’s spirit.

AN improved set piece is essential if Connacht are to have any hopes of overcoming Gloucester on the second of the back-to-back Heineken Cup fixtures and grab that elusive win.

CONNACHT boss Eric Elwood admitted it was “difficult to find positives” after his side were edged out by Gloucester on Saturday and remain without a win in the Heineken Cup.

DOUG HOWLETT is just one of a number of senior players set tointensify Munster’s pre-season effort when they take on Gloucester at Musgrave Park tonight (7pm).