How Irish players fared in the Inter-Pro derby between Connacht and Munster

Following an entertaining inter-pro derby between Connacht and Munster, we take stock and have a look at how some of the Irish players fared as the Six Nations draws closer and closer.

CJ Stander

Stander has continued to shine for Munster as he racks up the tackle and carry count after a somewhat disappointing World Cup.

Again he carried superbly, tackled just as well and really got the job done for Munster in strong performance.

Jack Carty

Came off the bench and produced a more assuring performance compared to his recent form that saw him lose his starting jumper to Conor Fitzgerald as well as a place in the Ireland 'Mid Season Stocktake' squad.

He gave Connacht a chance to snatch a victory with a great kick to touch and eventually went over the line but Munster were able to hold on.

JJ Hanrahan 

Hanrahan seems well out of the mix for the Ireland 10 jersey but he continues to produce strong performances for Munster and his assured performance that earned his side the W and himself the man of the match award.

Caolin Blade

Called into the Ireland squad for the 'Mid Season Stocktake', Blade would have wanted a big performance against a fired up Munster side and he didn't disappoint.

While Connacht were largely outplayed, Blade was a standout with his pack tracking backwards for most of the game. He had a few nice breaks, passed accurately and was solid with the boot. 

Jean Kleyn

Another strong game from Kleyn as once again he produced a performance that could easily go unnoticed. He was excellent at clearing out the rucks and giving Munster clean ball.

He weighed in on both sides of the ball as well.

Bundee Aki

The Connacht inside has been in excellent form for Connacht since returning from the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

He continued that form against Munster on Saturday with strong ball carries, excellent distribution and some great work at the breakdown.

At the moment, it looks as if he is still the front runner for the starting 12 jersey come the Six Nations.

Ultane Dillane

Dillane was excellent for Connacht in the win over Gloucester last week, particularly in the lineouts, and against Munster he got stuck in on defence racking up over 15 tackles.

Connacht did struggle a bit more at lineout time against a Munster side that are well drilled in the set-piece.

Jack O'Donoghue

The Munster flanker was superb for Munster during the Champions Cup against Saracens as he destroyed the Saracens' maul time and time again. And this weekend was no different as he was an early replacement for Gavin Coombes before the 10th minute.

He scored the opening try of the game as he reacted quickest to a loose ball near Connacht's line to pick up the ball, spin out of a tackle and score.

He followed the play well, got stuck into the rucks and is displaying the kind of form that earned him a test debut against Canada in 2016.

The 25-year-old wasn't included in Andy Farrell's 'Mid Season Stocktake' ahead of the Six Nations but if he continues this form he won't be ignored for much longer.