Connacht v Munster Preview – Predicted Teams, Kick-Off Time, Injury Updates & More | URC Round 14, MacHale Park
Date: Saturday, 29 March 2025
Kick-Off: 14:30
Venue: Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Historic Day in Castlebar as Connacht Host Munster at MacHale Park
MacHale Park will become the 56th venue to host a United Rugby Championship fixture as Connacht and Munster collide in Round 14. The first professional rugby match ever played at the iconic Mayo GAA ground is set to attract Connacht’s largest-ever home crowd.
Form Guide and URC Picture
Connacht have won two of their last three matches — beating Cardiff and Benetton — and came close to making it three in a row before falling 43–40 to Ospreys. They’re 12th on 31 points, with a top-eight finish unlikely, but a Challenge Cup campaign lies ahead with the prospect of three home games to reach the final.
Munster are sixth on 34 points but reeling from back-to-back losses to Edinburgh and Glasgow. They’ve won twice away from home this season (Ulster and Dragons) and haven’t won in Galway since 2021.
Key Stats
- MacHale Park is the 56th URC venue.
- Connacht have won 2 of their last 7 matches — both at home.
- They’ve lost 7 straight against Irish provinces.
- Munster’s only away wins this season came at Ulster and Dragons.
- The last 7 meetings have all been won by the home team on the day.
- Munster last won in Galway in January 2021.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Connacht are expected to welcome back their Irish internationals — Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Cian Prendergast, and Finlay Bealham — while in-form winger Finn Tracey retains his place. Ben Murphy is ruled out through injury.
Connacht Predicted XV:
- 1. Denis Buckley
- 2. Dave Heffernan
- 3. Finlay Bealham
- 4. Darragh Murray
- 5. Joe Joyce
- 6. Josh Murphy
- 7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
- 8. Cian Prendergast
- 9. Caolin Blade
- 10. Josh Ioane
- 11. Finn Tracey
- 12. Bundee Aki
- 13. Cathal Forde
- 14. Mack Hansen
- 15. Piers O’Conor
Munster Team News:
Munster could welcome back several key players to their matchday 23:
- Tadhg Beirne
- Jack Crowley
- Conor Murray
- Calvin Nash
- Peter O’Mahony
- Craig Casey
- Jean Kleyn
- Jack O’Donoghue
- Thaakir Abrahams
Oli Jager is also due to return to training this week after missing the defeat to Glasgow. Meanwhile, the fitness of Niall Scannell and Billy Burns (both shoulder) will be assessed closer to the weekend.
Munster Injury List:
- Shane Daly – hamstring
- Diarmuid Kilgallen – thigh
- Mike Haley – ankle
- Dave Kilcoyne – thigh
- Liam Coombes – chest
- Edwin Edogbo – Achilles
- Roman Salanoa – knee
What’s at Stake
Connacht are eyeing a strong finish in the URC and a major run in the Challenge Cup. With a record crowd and returning stars, they’ll be fired up for a statement win.
Munster need a response. A third straight loss could push them out of the top eight with pressure mounting. A full-strength squad could make all the difference.
Prediction
Connacht 26–20 Munster
Home advantage, form momentum, and returning Ireland stars could see Connacht edge what’s set to be a thrilling encounter.
#CONvMUN #URC #IrishRugby
🟢⚪️ vs 🔴⚪️ | 🏉 | 🔥
