Matthews, a 28 year old Limerick native, joined Connacht in 2005 having made 2 appearances for Munster and has featured in 68 Magners League games and 23 Amlin Challenge Cup games for Connacht. Matthews was capped against Argentina Jaguares when selected for Ireland A in November 2009 along with team-mates, Muldoon, Wilkinson, Keatley and Frank Murphy.
Ian Keatley is selected at full-back, the 23 year old traditionally plays at out-half but has shown huge versatility this season having excelled at centre and full-back and the return of Niva Ta'auso from injury gives an extra attacking edge to the back-line. Ezra Taylor also marks his return from injury with a starting spot at number 8, he replaces John Muldoon who has been ruled out of action with a fractured arm sustained against Harlequins last week. The break is likely to see the Portumna born back-rower out for a number of months.
Connacht XV to face Munster (The Sportsground Mon 27th December, kick-off 6.10pm live on TG4)
15 Ian Keatley
14 Darragh Fanning
13 Niva Ta'auso
12 Keith Matthews (C)
11 Fionn Carr
10 Miah Nikora
09 Cillian Willis
01 Rob Sweeney
02 Sean Cronin
03 Jamie Hagan
04 Michael Swift
05 Michael McCarthy
06 Andrew Browne
07 Johnny O'Connor
08 Ezra Taylor
16 Adrian Flavin
17 Barry Fa'amausili
18 Dylan Rogers
19 Bernie Upton
20 Mike McComish
21 Frank Murphy
22 Troy Nathan
23 Brian Tuohy
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