Four penalty goals from man of the match Ian Keatley saw the league's bottom side score another shock victory, 12-6, at the Sportsground, following up last month's memorable defeat of defending champions Leinster.

The result – Munster's first loss in Galway since 1979 – still sees the European champions hold a three-point lead at the top of the league table, but coach Tony McGahan will be hugely disappointed with his side's display.

Although the likes of Paul O'Connell, Ronan O'Gara and John Hayes were rested, McGahan still fielded 10 players from the team that started last month's historic clash with the All Blacks.

However, Munster's chances of recording their seventh win in eight league games were dented by two sin-binnings – Niall Ronan and Doug Howlett saw yellow in each half – and Connacht, who moved ahead in the final quarter, had the physical and mental strength to hold on.