It’s a sign of changing times and the massively improved status of Connacht rugby that coach Pat Lam has been able to make nine changes in personnel for today’s top-of-the-table Guinness PRO12 clash with Munster at Thomond Park from the side that defeated Brive in the European Challenge Cup last week.

Some 29 years have elapsed since Connacht last beat Munster at Thomond Park. In that space of time, they have been unlucky on a few occasions, on others they returned west on the back of one or two hammerings. 

ATTITUDE

An impressive season for province and country has earned Munster winger Simon Zebo nominations for both Player of the Year and try of the year, from the Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association, (IRUPA.)

Connacht centre Eoin Griffin believes his young side have to put more wins on the board to match their ambition.

Ireland’s problems at tighthead prop and the lack of strength in depth in other sectors have long since exercised the mind but rarely has there been a shortage quite like that at 15 ahead of next month’s international window.

Connacht coach Eric Elwood has tipped his Academy starlet Rob Henshaw for international honours.