United Rugby Championship team of the week: Munster and Ulster lead the way

All four Irish provinces are represented in the BKT United Rugby Championship team of the week after some big performances in round five.

Munster claimed a morale-boosting victory over the Vodacom Bulls at Thomond Park while Ulster edged an end-to-end thriller against the Emirates Lions in South Africa.

League leaders Leinster were victorious in the latest interprovincial derby, edging past Connacht in tough conditions in Galway.

15. Mike Lowry (Ulster)

Lowry's boot helped create two tries as Ulster opened their South African tour with a breathless victory over the Lions.

The full-back was a constant threat on kick returns and exploited a gap in the midfield in the lead-up to Rob Lyttle’s try on 42 minutes, while a stunning kick bounced off the corner flag for a 50-22, from which Stuart McCloskey scored.

We'll forgive him for a couple of defensive lapses on an afternoon where Ulster got over the line in roasting conditions.

14. John Porch (Connacht)

Wings are normally included for their performances in attack but Porch’s outstanding defensive display earns him a place in our XV.

The Australian made two try-saving tackles during the closing stages of Connacht’s derby loss to Leinster, denying Rob Russell in the corner before sprinting back to halt a charging Josh van der Flier.

Porch kicked intelligently in testing conditions in Galway and often came off his wing looking for work.

Niall Murray has gone in the bin at The Sportsground... #RTErugby #CONLEI