Low-key finale not without its subplots

AS LEINSTER backs Fionn Carr and Ian Keatley move west and scrumhalf Frank Murphy returns to Ireland from Leicester Tigers for the coming season, certain incumbents will be conscious of trying to protect team places.

That should keep players on their toes after a long and fraught season in which Connacht again missed Heineken Cup qualification.

Carr, who is 22 years old, can play at centre, wing or fullback. Keatley is a 21-year-old outhalf.

Scrumhalf Murphy will be expected to provide an effective link and has had important experience of the Premiership.

For this match, however, Michael Bradley makes three changes for his team's final game, against a youthful-looking Ospreys side. It may his final Connacht match too if there is a reshuffle following Declan Kidney's appointment as Ireland coach.

Ofisa Treviranus returns to the starting line-up for the first time since December, having recovered from a broken leg and come through last week's outing. Andy Dunne returns to outhalf, and Andrew Browne comes in for the injured David Gannon at lock.

Seven players are unavailable to Ospreys through injury, while another dozen are involved in the Wales training camp in Wexford, which gives a chance for the less-established players to impress with next season in mind.

CONNACHT:G Duffy; O Treviranus, M Deane, K Matthews, D Riordan; A Dunne, C McPhillips; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Morris; A Browne, A Farley (capt); J Muldoon, J O'Connor, C Rigney. Replacements: J Fogarty, R Loughney, B McGovern, M McCarthy, C O'Loughlin, T Nathan, D Yapp.

OSPREYS:G Owen; L Bevan, M Taylor, J Spratt, K Phillips; S Connor, R Webb; P James (capt), R Hibbard, C Griffiths; A Lloyd, L Bateman; H T-Pole, S Tandy, T Smith.

Referee:Neil Paterson (SRU)

Verdict:Home win

Venue:Sportsground Kick-off: 6.30