Amid novelty of occasion, Munster and Connacht face grave implications of MacHale defeat 

For both provinces the importance of leaving Castlebar with the lion’s share of match points outweighs any history being made on Mayo GAA turf.

LEARNING THE CODE: Connacht Rugby Captain’s Run, Elvery's MacHale Park, Castlebar, Mayo on Friday. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Whatever about the sense of occasion which Saturday’s Connacht-Munster URC derby clash creates in front of more than 26,000 supporters at MacHale Park, the importance of leaving Castlebar with the lion’s share of match points outweighs any history being made on Mayo GAA turf.

The sight of returning Ireland internationals on both provinces' teamsheets following their post-Six Nations breaks certainly ups the ante as the URC’s self-described Race to the Eight enters its final straight. Just five rounds of the regular season remain before play-off berths are allocated. With 13 matches already in the books, neither side can afford any slip-ups between now and the end of May.