URC round 11 team of the week: Cathal Forde stands out for Connacht, MIke Haley and RG Snyman best for Munster

The Irish provinces recorded a clean sweep in round 11 of the BKT United Rugby Championship and all four now sit inside the play-off places.

Munster got the weekend off to a winning start with a 45-29 victory over Zebre. Connacht were too good for the Scarlets at the Dexcom Stadium, claiming a bonus-point 26-10 win over Scarlets.

Leinster were pushed hard by Cardiff but stay top of the league thanks to a 33-20 success, while Ulster began the post-Dan McFarland era with a 49-26 victory over Dragons.

Here's our team of the week.

15. Mike Haley (Munster)

The full-back was involved in much of Munster's back play and made 178 metres off 11 carries. Showed a nice turn of pace to get their second try. Named player of the match. Will be important down the home stretch. Will Addison had a good game for Ulster.

14. Rob Russell (Leinster)

The winger spoke last week about getting more involvements and did exactly that. Had two turnovers and two clean breaks to his name and ran a great support line for his early try. Liam Turner also impressed.

13. Alex Nankivell (Munster)

A regular on our team of the week, the New Zealander again made lots of hard yards and post-contact metres as he beat 11 defenders. Found Sean O’Brien with a super pass for Munster’s bonus try and set Shane Daly free for their last.

12. Cathal Forde (Connacht)

Clear man of the match in a far from perfect win over the Scarlets. The 22-year-old had 10 successful carries and beat six defenders. The Galway man broke the line on a number of occasions, which should have led to more tries but for Connacht’s sloppiness.

11. Mike Lowry (Ulster)

Scored two tries, made 58 metres, got three offloads away and won a turnover, it was a busy night for the one-cap Ireland