Jared Payne up for a battle with pal Robbie Henshaw

Ireland’s midfield duo Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw will put their growing playing relationship on hold when Ulster face Connacht in what should be a close Pro12 clash in Galway on Saturday.

Kiwi-born Payne was more or less the silent partner as Henshaw took most of the plaudits as Ireland retained the Six Nations Championship title. But it was widely acknowledged that it was the Kiwi-born Payne’s experience and nous that helped the young zealot grow in stature.

Now Payne will be out to ‘protect’ himself against the big giant centre from out west.