BKT United Rugby Championship Round 4: All you need to know

Ulster and Leinster have set a nice, high bar for this year's Interpro games, and this week it's the turn of Connacht and Munster to try to reach it.

The derby in Belfast last week wasn't much in terms of free-flowing rugby, in large part down to the horrendous weather conditions. The intensity more than made up for it though, both sides as close to full-strength as they could be, and the game played at a Test pace.

Given the poor starts to the season both Connacht and Munster have endured, there's no reason to expect anything less than full intensity at the Sportsground tonight, with their desperate need for a win heightening the stakes even further.

If their two meetings last season are anything to go by, we're in for a nail-biter; Munster striking late to win a back-and-forth contest at Thomond Park 12 months ago, before Connacht gained revenge with a 10-8 slog at the Sportsground on New Year's Day.

There's also likely to be a sense of occasion at the Sportsground, as Connacht open up their home campaign, following three long weeks on the road.

Andy Friend's side will also get to test out their brand new artificial surface at the Sportsground, but don't expect that to be unsettling for Munster, who have been on a 4G surface for two of their first three games this season, as well as both of their pre-season friendlies.

On Saturday evening, Leinster will be expected to make it four wins from four when they host the Sharks at the RDS. While Sean Everitt's side have started the season with back-to-back wins, the South Africans haven't been able to call on any of their Springbok regulars for the northern hemisphere tour.

Also on Saturday, Ulster will hope to dust themselves off after their defeat to Leinster, as they host the