Springbok lock Jean Kleyn was named the Player of the Year at Munster's annual awards ceremony on Thursday night.
Late tries from Andrew Conway and Ethan Coughlan earned Munster a 34-21 bonus-point win over the Sharks in their URC opener at Thomond Park.
The United Rugby Championship leaps into action this weekend with the Sharks in round one action against Irish side Munster at their home ground Thomond Park on Saturday.
Keith Earls has announced his retirement from rugby following a 16-year professional career with Munster and Ireland.
Forwards coach Paul O'Connell feels the locks Ireland have selected are 'big' enough to justify the exclusion of Munster star Jean Kleyn.
Stormers head coach John Dobson admitted he may have needed to adjust his game plan to accommodate for the difficult conditions underfoot in the URC final.