Kieran Keane can get Connacht firing again, says Munster's Rhys Marshall

It is not often a player gives a rival cause for optimism ahead of an interprovincial derby but Munster’s Rhys Marshall believes exciting times lie ahead for Saturday’s Guinness Pro12 opponents Connacht.

There will be no love lost at Thomond Park on Saturday when south meets west in the final game of the regular season as Connacht visit Limerick to play their last game as league champions while Munster gear up to succeed them as titleholders with a final run before the play-offs.

Connacht look set for a Champions Cup qualification play-off later this month against either an English Premiership or French Top 14 club, depending on their final league position as they prepare to say goodbye to head coach Pat Lam, who will depart for Bristol once the province’s European fate for next season is decided.