Carty and Coombes return for Sportsground Interpro

Connacht and Munster have both been able to welcome back key players for Friday's crucial BKT United Rugby Championship interprovincial match at the Sportsground.

The hosts can draft captain Jack Carty into their side for the first time this season, after he missed the opening three rounds due to his summer wrist surgery.

Munster also bring back an international from injury, with Gavin Coombes coming in at number 8, partnering Peter O'Mahony and Jack O'Donoghue in what looks like being a first choice back row.

Jean Kleyn has been passed fit having come through the return to play protocols for concussion, joining Tadhg Beirne in the second row, while the front row of Dave Kilcoyne, Nill Scannell and Keynan Knox is unchanged from last week's win against Zebre.

Joey Carbery makes a rare start at full-back, with Munster's backline options stretched due to injuries for Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Mike Haley and Simon Zebo. Academy pair Patrick Campbell and Conor Phillips continue on the wings, having impressed at Musgrave Park a week ago.

The final change sees Conor Murray come in for his first start of the season, partnering Ben Healy in the half-backs, while Dan Goggin and Malakai Fekitoa retain their place in the centre.

.@jonnyholland10 would have concerns over Munster's defensive structures ahead of their clash with Connacht in the #URC #RTERugby pod #CONvMUN #rterugby pic.twitter.com/9HFqADP5Bu

For Connacht, Carty's return is one of five changes from the defeat to the Bulls a week ago.

David Hawkshaw, who started at out-half last week, moves into the centre where he joins Byron Ralston, as Tom Farrell and Tom Daly drop out, with Daly named among the replacements.

Conor Fitzgerald comes in at full-back, in place of Oran McNulty,