Kelly seeks fitting finish

Munster v Connacht:After brave defeats in their two previous interprovincial meetings this season, Connacht will target this match against a largely second-string Munster to put some daylight between themselves and Ulster at the foot of the Magners Celtic League.

Ronan O'Gara, David Wallace, Jerry Flannery, Mick O'Driscoll, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Rua Tipoki, Brian Carney, Shaun Payne and the injured Paul O'Connell are either on the bench or in the stand.

Still, the reserve brigade have a decent look to them. They will also be keen to give John Kelly a decent send-off as the 33-year-old wins his 130th and final Munster cap (and attempts to add to his 29 tries).

Winger Ian Dowling will be pleased to start as he could well be in a dogfight with Carney for a berth once Doug Howlett arrives in town next week.

The front row includes the giant Tony Buckley at tighthead as he continues to be groomed to eventually succeed Hayes.

The Connacht coach Michael Bradley awaits fitness reports on centre Mel Deane (shoulder) and flanker John Muldoon (back strain), with Aidan Wynne and Colm Rigney poised to deputise.

The former Australia under-21 Liam Bibo makes his debut at right wing, while the young prospect Daniel Riordan returns to outside centre.

Despite their rotational policy Munster look better-equipped to send their old stalwart Kelly into retirement with a smile on his face. Don't expect it to be pretty, though; Munster v Connacht meetings have a history of descending into the mire.

Munster's outhalf Paul Warwick will be keen to impress against his former team-mates, but we can expect O'Gara to enter the fray if the hosts require some prodding near the end.

MUNSTER: D Hurley; J Kelly (capt), K Lewis, L Mafi, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, F Sheahan, T Buckley; D O'Callaghan, D Ryan; D Leamy, N Ronan, A Foley. Replacements: J Flannery, M Horan, M O'Driscoll, J Coughlan, J Hurley, R O'Gara, B Murphy.

CONNACHT: G Duffy; L Bibo, D Riordan, M Deane/A Wynne, O Treviranus; A Dunne, C O'Loughlin; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Morris; M Swift, D Gannon; M McCarthy, J O'Connor, C Rigney/J Muldoon (capt). Replacements: J Fogarty, R Loughney, A Farley, R Ofisa, C McPhillips, P Durcan, A Wynne/D Yapp.

Verdict: Munster.