Payne wary of confident Connacht’s challenge

CONNACHT bid to bridge a 23-year gap when they face Munster in the Magners League at Thomond Park on Saturday night.

The western province hasn’t won at the venue since November 22, 1986, when they recorded a 11-9 victory. This time, however, they travel full of confidence after two fine victories over Worcester that leaves them within touching distance of the knockout stages of the Amlin Challenge Cup.

They can also look back with satisfaction to the corresponding game 12 months ago when they were full value for a 12-6 win in Galway, while their chances are boosted by the fact Munster will be without their senior international players with the significant exception of Ronan O’Gara.